Let’s Talk ... Fostering with Glasgow City Council

In this episode of Let’s Talk….Fostering, host Gina McKie sits down with Elizabeth Ann, a dedicated foster carer with Glasgow City Council’s Families for Children. With honesty, warmth, and decades of lived experience, Elizabeth Ann opens up about the realities of fostering—the joys, the challenges, the emotional moments, and the life‑changing impact it has on everyone involved. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of empathy, partnership with birth families, the crucial role of a strong support network, and why fostering is truly a community effort. Whether you're a current carer, considering fostering, or simply curious about how the system works, this episode offers both practical insight and heartfelt storytelling. Elizabeth Ann’s Path to Fostering She reflects on her background in childcare and why understanding—not judging—birth families is at the heart of fostering. Working With Birth Families Elizabeth Ann shares a touching story about supporting a birth mother who turned her life around, showing how compassion and communication can help rebuild families. The Toughest Moments From emotional goodbyes to supporting children with trauma or withdrawal symptoms, she speaks candidly about the challenges carers face and the resilience needed to keep going. Impact on Her Own Children Elizabeth Ann describes how fostering has shaped her children’s perspectives, compassion, and involvement in family life. The Power of Support From monthly support groups to social workers who “always have your back,” she explains why no foster carer is ever alone. Breaking Down Misconceptions From fostering as a single person to doing so in rented accommodation, she addresses common myths that often hold potential carers back. Talking Money A frank discussion about financial support and what carers can expect when navigating the practical side of fostering. Advice for Future Carers Her message is clear: reach out, ask questions, and never be afraid to start the journey. There’s always support available, and you’re never the only one going through it. Building a Fostering Community Elizabeth Ann shares how a strong sense of community—including fellow carers, social workers, and support teams—helps her stay grounded and positive. A Final Encouragement If fostering has ever crossed your mind, Elizabeth Ann urges you to take that first step. The difference you can make in a child’s life is immeasurable. This episode offers a meaningful, uplifting, and honest look at the fostering experience—perfect for anyone considering fostering, in the assessment process, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about compassion, family, and resilience. Let’s talk about making a difference - because every child deserves a chance to thrive. You can take the next step to begin the process of fostering by contacting Families for Children Visit www.fosterglasgow.org Phone 0345 276 5555 between 8.45am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 3.55pm Friday or email us at [email protected]  

Lets Talk…Fostering - Heather In this episode of Let’s Talk…Fostering, host Gina McKie speaks with Heather, a devoted foster carer with Glasgow City Council’s Families for Children. Heather opens up about the emotional journey of fostering—from the excitement of welcoming children into her home to the challenges of saying goodbye, and the powerful impact fostering has had on her own family. With honesty and compassion, she reflects on her background in childcare, the support she receives from Families for Children, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This episode offers a heartfelt look at why fostering matters and what it truly means to provide stability, safety, and love to children who need it most. Heather’s Childcare Background With years of experience in nurseries, childminding, and nannying, Heather talks about what drew her to fostering and how rewarding it feels to offer children a safe and nurturing home. Starting Her Fostering Journey Heather shares how she began fostering after COVID‑19, inspired in part by her own childhood memories of welcoming foster children into her family. Childhood Memories of Fostering She recalls the excitement, curiosity, and sense of togetherness she felt as a child when new foster children arrived—feelings she now watches unfold in her own children. Memorable Moments With Foster Children From caring for twins to supporting siblings, Heather talks through some of the most memorable—and challenging—experiences her family has faced, and how they’ve learned to understand children’s behaviours with patience and empathy. Understanding and Adapting Heather explains the importance of adapting to each child’s unique needs, especially when their behaviours stem from trauma or instability. Choosing Families for Children She highlights why Families for Children was the right fit for her—particularly the strong support systems, training, and guidance offered throughout the assessment process. The Assessment Journey Heather walks listeners through the emotional and reflective nature of the assessment stage, including understanding her own childhood, relationships, and parenting style. Learning About Attachment Training on attachment styles made a huge impact on her approach to fostering, helping her support children who need emotional safety and connection. Recent Fostering Experience Heather shares a recent placement that underscored how vital emotional support, gentle communication, and attachment‑building truly are. Saying Goodbye She speaks candidly about the emotional difficulty of goodbyes—and the strength required to keep opening your heart. Teamwork With Her Husband Fostering is a team effort in Heather’s household. She describes how she and her husband work together as parents, partners, and carers. Advice for Potential Foster Carers Her message is encouraging and grounded: fostering is challenging but profoundly rewarding, and family support makes all the difference. Financial Support & Stability Heather reassures listeners about the financial support available for carers and the ongoing demand for placements—helping ease concerns about financial uncertainty. Children’s Voices: Maisie & Finlay Heather’s children share their excitement and compassion for fostering, offering a sweet, honest look at what it’s like to welcome new children into their home. A Mother’s Pride Heather reflects on how proud she is of her children—their empathy, understanding, and willingness to embrace other children with kindness. Final Thoughts She closes the episode with encouragement for anyone considering fostering: take the step, ask the questions, and don’t be afraid to explore the journey—you won’t be alone. This episode offers a meaningful, uplifting, and honest look at the fostering experience—perfect for anyone considering fostering, in the assessment process, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about compassion, family, and resilience. Let’s talk about making a difference - because every child deserves a chance to thrive. You can take the next step to begin the process of fostering by contacting Families for Children Visit www.fosterglasgow.org Phone 0345 276 5555 between 8.45am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 3.55pm Friday or email us at [email protected]