When Darren was four years old his parents became foster carers, welcoming children and young people in need into their home.

He grew up in a big family with two younger sisters and a younger brother as well as the children who were fostered and he knew he wanted his own family to be the same in the future.

October in sons and daughters month, which is aimed at celebrating the birth children of foster carers and highlighting the important role they play in family life.

Darren is now 48 and together with his wife Rebecca they have four children as well as three foster children who have been with them for 10 years.

They began fostering in 2001 before they had children of their own, doing short-term and respite care before their son was born in 2002 and they became full-time foster carers in 2004.

Darren said: “When I was growing up, I picked up how to look after babies and toddlers very quickly and was very switched on.

“Anyone who came into the house was always treated as part of the family and we were always welcoming new children to stay.

“When children moved onto other permanent homes or back with their birth parents, it was hard to say goodbye but I knew there would be someone new to welcome within a few days.

“We always tried to keep in touch with people who lived with us but sometimes the circumstances wouldn’t allow it.”

When Darren and Rebecca met in 1993, Rebecca saw Darren’s parents as foster carers and knew it was something he wanted to do as well.

Darren said: “It’s a very emotional job and can be difficult especially if you become attached to the children you’re looking after.

“It was important that Rebecca wanted to be a foster carer as much as I did and we started doing short sessions until we were completely sure it was something we could do together.

“If anyone is thinking about becoming a foster carer, I’d suggest attending an advice session and finding out a bit more about what it entails.

“It can take a few months to complete the application process ahead of being approved and throughout this time, you learn so much about yourself, which helps you decide whether fostering is for you.

“It’s a hard job but one which Rebecca and I really enjoy.”

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer, let the team support you.

For more information visit www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@bolton.gov.uk or call 0800 107 1564.

Join Bolton Fostering Team at their next webinar

Fostering for your local council provides children with a safe space to live while remaining in a town or city that they are familiar with.

Bolton, Bury, Trafford and Wigan councils have come together to provide information about the benefits of fostering with your local council.

Could you provide a safe space in a familiar place for a child?

Are you thinking about fostering and want to know more?

Whether you’re ready to start your journey into fostering or just wanting to find out more, join us for our next webinar on Wednesday, October 20 and let us help to steer the way.

Local fostering representatives will cover everything you need to know about becoming a foster carer with your local council, talking you through the process, rewards and benefits and what support is available together with an opportunity to ask questions and hear from some of our current foster carers.

Email fostering@bolton.gov.uk and we will send you a link to join the webinar, which starts at 7pm.