Our regional fostering recruitment hub, Foster for East Midlands is proud to share the amazing journey of Mavis Shirley, a foster carer from Nottingham who has made a huge difference in the lives of many children. Mavis started fostering in 1996 after an accident left her unable to work. She wanted to help her community, so she decided to become a foster carer. In 1996, she was approved, and her journey began.

At first, Mavis lived in a one-bedroom flat, but it wasn’t big enough for fostering. After talking with the Council, they offered her a three-bedroom house so she could begin her fostering career. Mavis was excited to help and make a positive difference in the community.

Mavis remembers her very first foster child—a five-year-old boy who was excited to stay with her. He stayed for a year before returning to his mother. Later, he returned with his sister, who stayed with Mavis until she turned 18. The sister went to college and now works in HR. Mavis still keeps in touch with both siblings, showing how her care has had a lasting impact.

Mavis has cared for many children over the years, and the bonds she has made with them are very special. Many of her former foster children see each other as siblings and continue to visit her. This shows how much love and care Mavis has given to her foster children, creating a family-like atmosphere in her home.

Mavis's daughter, Cleo, grew up with foster children. She said that living with them helped her understand people better and taught her to be kind and share. Cleo now works as a carer for Nottingham City Council, showing how fostering has had a big impact on her life, too.

Fostering can be challenging Mavis explained, but with a lot of love, patience, and understanding you can make the difference to that child’s life. "It's about giving them love and helping them feel safe," she says. "Every child is different, and it's important to understand their needs."

One moment that was especially meaningful was when many of her former foster children attended her husband's funeral. It showed just how close they all were. These special connections highlight the strong bonds that can form between foster carers and the children they care for.

For anyone thinking about fostering, Mavis offers great advice: "If you don’t have love to give, it won’t work. You need to want to help and create a safe, caring home for the children. Fostering is not about the money; it’s about being there for the children and supporting them through their challenges."

Mavis's story shows just how important foster carers are. Her 22 years of fostering, her love for the children, and the lasting relationships she’s built are a reminder of how much of a difference one person can make in the lives of children who need care. Mavis’s dedication to fostering is a powerful example of how important it is to provide a safe, loving home for children who need it most.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:

“The dedication and kindness shown by Mavis Shirley over more than two decades of fostering is truly inspiring. She has given a loving home to many children and created strong, lasting bonds with them. We are so grateful for her support and the difference she has made in our community. We encourage more people to consider fostering, as we need more caring people like Mavis. Our foster carers are the heart of our community, and we thank them for all they do."

For more information, visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, call 03033 132 950, or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk.