Fostering - Putting Christian Faith into Action

First published on: 12th May 2022

Image of Phil at Penny Lane sign, Liverpool

 

Did you know Liverpool alone has over 1500 Looked After Children? Phil Watson shares with us why he believes fostering is putting faith into action and encourages us to consider fostering. Phil and his family started fostering for Liverpool City Council in 2010.

 

 

 

 

"As Christians, we wanted to put our faith into action, and we wanted to do this as a family.  The Bible frequently talks about looking after ‘the orphan’, and we realised that in a modern context, this could mean becoming foster carers.  We went to an information evening run by Liverpool Council and were inspired to apply.

 "It can be challenging, exhausting, hilarious, but above all rewarding.  I can see the difference we are making to the children we have looked after.  We have fostered seven kids since we started.

"We had one little lad for four hours and one kid for over eight years!  We can’t solve all their problems, but we know when those kids are with us, they are safe. 

"Our church community has provided us with all sorts of practical support and help, and become a safe place for the children.

"We have had meals, clothes and Lego dropped off in our porch when a new child has arrived.

"It’s important to show the children that they are loved and that people care for them."

 

You need to be over 21 to be a foster carer,  in reasonably good health, and have a spare room.  You can be of any background, creed, culture, heritage, or sexual orientation. You can be single, in a relationship, own your home or rent. You don’t need to give up work to foster, as long as your work is flexible enough to cope with the demands of looking after a child.

As well as being paid, foster carers are exempt from Council Tax and get free Lifestyles Gym Membership.  Full training and support is given. Liverpool City Council are actively looking to find new carers. 

 

If you are interested in finding out more about fostering for Liverpool, contact Phil Watson at Phil.Watson@liverpool.gov.uk or visit www.fostering.liverpool.gov.uk.

 


‘My Place’ - a performance by Riding Lights

Poster of My Place Performance

Date: 17 May 2022

Time: 7:30 pm

Tickets; Riding Lights website (opens in new window)

At: St. Anne’s Church,  Aigburth, Liverpool L17 6AB 

About the My Place Production

The production MY PLACE is both entertaining and thought-provoking, My Place follows the stories of four children in care. An individual child, a pair of siblings and an unaccompanied child refugee. They have different backgrounds and journeys, brought to life through a range of colourful story-telling techniques, including song and spoken word. Each story highlights the need for all vulnerable children to have a safe, stable and loving home where they can thrive.

WHO IS HOME FOR GOOD?

Home for Good is a charity that exists to find a home for every child who needs one. We hope to inspire and equip individuals and families to open their homes and hearts to children and teenagers through fostering, adoption and supported lodgings. We also resource churches to be a welcoming and supportive community for all families who care for vulnerable children and advocate on their behalf at all levels of government. Home for Good is thrilled to have this opportunity to join with Riding Lights in presenting My Place.

WHY A PLAY?

Watching a play unfold engages the imagination in a vivid way and is more immediate than video. It allows you to place yourself in another person’s shoes, to think about issues from a new perspective, and perhaps even to think about things you have never considered before. Riding Lights has over 40 years of professional experience doing just this in theatres, schools, prisons, cathedrals, churches, and community centres across the UK.

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

Everyone! Any individual who cares about children and has a passion for justice and compassion for our society’s most vulnerable would be inspired by this event. We hope that many people will gain a better understanding of the experience of young refugees and children in care. The play is suitable for teenagers and adults but not recommended for younger children.

Powered by Church Edit