Having read the stories in your “How I returned from rock bottom” series and your report on children’s social care (29 December), can I encourage anyone looking for an adventure or challenge in 2022 to consider fostering or mentoring teenagers for a while? As a foster carer to teenagers for several years, I met some amazing youngsters. All of them were far braver than I was at their age about moving in with a stranger, sometimes at short notice. Some I am still in touch with, others I remember and worry about, but being a foster carer was never dull, often fun and always interesting.
A slogan on an advert for foster carers a few years back said “the life you change will be your own”. This is true, and some life experience, a sense of the ridiculous and, perhaps, a cat or dog are really all you need.
Eileen Flinter
London
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
