LOVING individuals looking for a different way to give back to the community are asked to consider caring for a young person during Foster Care Fortnight.

Various organisations around the town will be raising awareness of fostering and its rewards during the week, which will take place from June 1 to June 14.

Among those raising awareness of the week are foster carers Bob and Sam Campbell, who are looking forward to their first holiday as a foster family this summer.

The couple, who also have two teenage daughters of their own, 17-year-old Becky and 15-year-old Megan, only started fostering earlier this year and are looking forward to sharing their summer with a 15-year-old film buff and 10-year-old football fan.

“It’s so much better than I even expected,” said 45-year-old Sam, a call centre manager.

“We wouldn’t change it for the world. Of course there are hairy moments too but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The only bit I am dreading is them going.

“It’s impossible not to get emotionally involved and attached because you really care.

“When I first enquired about fostering, I thought it would be like extended babysitting. Once the child is in your home and part of your life, it becomes far more than that.

“But I know it’s not forever and of course if possible, children should be with their parents. We’re just helping out in between. We always wanted to give something back and this is such a great way to do that.

Caring for the youngsters has seen Bob and Sam become more active, and they have lost a stone since they started fostering.

“It’s the best way to tackle the middle-age spread and certainly beats dieting,” said Sam. “We’re always out on the go and doing things. Life has become so much more eventful, but in a good way. Every day you can really tell you’re making a difference.

“We want to make sure they grow up fit and healthy, so we all go out for walks together and try to have a balanced diet. We’ve joined the Alive ‘n’ Kicking programme to help with that. Becky and Megan are already really into sport but our first placement needed a bit of extra encouragement.

“They are starting to open up and share about their past. Sometimes you have to watch out for the signs because it’s not always obvious that they need to talk. It can just be a look in their eye.”

Their first foster placement arrived in February and has settled in well.

“She has a real rapport with our daughters and is making great progress,” said the North Swindon mum.

“She still sees her mum and the plan is for them to be together in the near future.”

The arrival of their second placement was more sudden and, following a shaky start, he has begun to settle in as well after bonding with Bob over football.

“It was an emergency placement so we got the call at 11am and he arrived straight after school,” said Sam.

“We were both at work so there was just an hour to prepare. But that was the least of our problems, because he was so scared he didn’t want to stay.

“The girls were crying thinking it was their fault and it was quite a traumatic night. Things soon calmed down though and he knows he can trust us now.

“They are always out playing football and it’s lovely to see them so happy.”

As a first-time foster carer, Sam thinks that the hardest part will be learning to let go and saying goodbye.

The couple were encouraged to start fostering by their daughters.

“Bob and I had talked about fostering ages ago but it wasn’t the right time,” said Sam. “Last year we were watching a programme about it with the girls and they said we should do it. They are more independent now so we had the extra capacity and just went for it.

“Our careers involve working with a wide variety of people and that has been really helpful in becoming foster carers. We relate to others well and obviously have the experience of bringing up our own two daughters, who we’re really proud of. Becky wants to be a primary school teacher so the experience is beneficial for her too. If she sees a child in class who isn’t engaging, there is probably a story behind it.”

The fostering experience has made them realise how fortunate they are and more determined than ever to help others.

Sam said: “We’re making great progress and their social workers have recognised this, which is reassuring. We’ve had days out together, for example to Weston-super-Mare, and we’re looking forward to a holiday in August. Our first placement has never been on one before. It’s that sort of reality check which makes you know you’re doing something truly worthwhile and special.”

Fostering opportunities are available on short and long-term placements. Carers receive an allowance and there is ongoing training, along with 24/7 advice available. For more information call 01793 465700 or visit fosteringadoptionswindon.org.uk