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Annual campaign recognises contributions from children of foster carers

Rebecca Reid is a foster carer and inspired her son Demi to become one too

A campaign that celebrates the contribution children of foster carers make to foster care is taking place throughout October.

‘Sons and Daughters Month’ is organised by The Fostering Network and encourages fostering services across the UK to run activities to reward young people for their role.

Certificates are available and a thank you letter that can be sent to sons and daughters.

Various events are taking place throughout the month, including the Fostering Excellence Awards where the ‘Outstanding Contribution by Sons and Daughters Award’ is given.

A fancy dress competition for children and young people in fostering households is also running.

Demi Okojie, of Harold Hill, was inspired by his mum, Rebecca Reid, who was a foster carer when he was growing up.

Demi, who currently has two placements said: “I was quite skeptical at first when my mum started fostering as I was worried whether I’d be angry with her.

“However, over time I just got really friendly with one of the children. We still talk now, he’s like my brother.”

“You do face difficulties but that’s just like anything you’re going to do, and I just think the rewarding aspect of it is a great thing, especially if you get on well with the child and you have a good rapport.

“From seeing someone from starting to when they come in to your home, very timid, very shy, and then over time the trust builds and they just feel part of it.

“When it does happen, it’s a great feeling and so rewarding.”

Rebecca Reid, 73, who’s Nigerian-British and lives in Havering, became a foster carer when she retired.

She said: “When they come, I make it as homely as possible and I keep them warm.

“I try to speak to them from time to time because some of them are very distressed when they come and they need to trust you before they can tell you what’s on their mind.

“He (Demi) grew up with all the children I’ve been fostering. Most of them call him brother and he feels empathetic with them, they became closer.

“Now that he’s graduated he is following in my footsteps, which makes me so happy.”

Anyone interested in fostering locally, can contact Havering Council for more information by calling 01708 434574 or email fostering@havering.gov.uk

For further information, click here.

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