Una and Anne share story to encourage same sex couples to consider fostering

Q Radio News

Una & Anne have been short break foster carers with Barnardo’s NI for over 8 years and during PRIDE month, they’re sharing their story to encourage more people from the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering.

The couple from Belfast first got involved in fostering after they attended a Barnardo’s information event at PRIDE. Una tells us, “we had been thinking about fostering for quite a while, but our early experience was that the system just wasn’t ready for same sex couples. We went along to the Barnardo’s information event, where same sex couples were warmly welcomed and this gave us the final nudge we needed.

“We initially became short term foster carers because we really enjoyed the mentoring side of things, had some free time and we felt we had lots to offer. Eight years later, we can confidently say that we get as much out of it as the kids, if not more!”

🎥 Una & Anne have been short break foster carers with @BarnardosNI for over 8 years and during PRIDE month, they’re sharing their story to encourage more people from the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering. More on air & https://t.co/boX2EdCtC7 pic.twitter.com/cE77cbrw5L

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 1, 2019

Anne said, “the process to become a foster carer is lengthy, but it has to be to ensure the children will be safe. The courses and training that you get from Barnardo’s really prepare you. All you need is positive attitude and a desire and motivation to help children, you will grow into the role. 

“An important thing for LGBTQ+ people to know, is that not being a parent isn’t a gap or a barrier, sometimes it’s easier to support these young people when you’re not parenting them. It’s all about relationships, building trusting and nurturing relationships.”

Head of Barnardo’s NI Michele Janes said, “we embrace and promote diversity in all aspects of our organisation and that includes our wonderful foster carers. We have many same sex couples who are incredible foster carers and we want to encourage more people from the LGBTQ+ community to foster. There are still so many children in need of care, so if you are considering it please get in touch.” 

.@MackleDanielle Equality Diversity and Inclusion Officer @BarnardosNI pic.twitter.com/Mop9Wlewly

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 1, 2019

Una and Anne are hoping that by sharing their story, they encourage more of the LGBTQ+ community who are thinking about fostering. 

Anne concluded, “these kids do not even see a same sex couple, there is a natural authenticity and acceptance and they don’t see it as an issue. They see people who are caring for them, playing with them, looking out for them and talking to them.”

To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s visit https://www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption/fostering/fostering_in_northern_ireland.htm