Foster carers needed soars

Since then, she has cared for 15 children and presently looks after a baby and a toddler.
The 71-year-old said the children kept her young and she regarded them as preciously as if they were her grandchildren.
“I had been caring for my mother and when she passed away, a friend who loved being a foster carer, suggested I look into doing the same,” she said.
“Barnardos have been wonderful right from the start and support me with whatever I need.”
Gulden said the hardest part was having to say goodbye to the children but she always felt happy knowing they were being returned to their family or were being adopted by an individual or couple who really wanted them.
“I really love children and you do get attached, one little boy I looked after for two-and-a-half years before he went back to his family but many of the children keep in touch and send me letters or cards,” she said.
Gulden encourages anyone who has time and love to give, to consider becoming a foster carer regardless of their age or whether they live in a house or unit.
“My home is a unit but I take the children to the park or the playground everyday and we visit friends’ homes,” she said.
“Children just need you to have time for them and to learn your routine of meal times as well as sleep and play times, that’s what make them feel happy and secure.”
Barnardos urgently needs more short-term foster carers in the area, and permanent carers for older children and siblings.
To find out more about how you could make a difference in a child’s life, call 1800 663 441.