Coronavirus is changing how we live our lives and leaving many of us to ask ourselves, ‘Is it time for a change?‘ Maybe, Coronavirus for all its deadly intentions, is the key to change? And children in care need change-makers to lead the way, now, more than ever before.

The coronavirus brought change we neither expected nor wanted and was more significant than anything envisaged. Its impact has touched all our lives. For many, the economic and social effects have caused reflection; what is essential in our lives? Sadly, the lockdown means we spend less time with family, and for some, this change is good.

For others, it brings a longing to see the children we cannot see, our children, grandchildren, and family. Also, we had the time to reflect on the people who were change-makers in our lives. These were people who inspired us, and whom we recognise now, how much we owe to them.

Change-makers leading the way by influence.

Many people are unaware of their influence on others because kindness comes naturally. They have empathy, kindness, and compassion, which are often misunderstood. Sadly, many people don’t react well or mistrust the intentions.

However, change-makers never give up on children; they keep on leading because it is inherent in their nature. Change-makers have influenced the generations that walked before us. More importantly, they fought through adversity with humour, pride and dignity, and their impact still resonates today.

The influence of others has often shaped our lives as they lead the way through example; subsequently, they are influencers of our yesteryears. Many vulnerable children have never had stability or were lucky enough to have influential role models in their formative years. Thankfully, as they grow older, they find them and often, they are the foster carers who make the biggest impact.

Regardless of how we meet our change-makers; they led the way and steered us on the right path. Consequently, they are people we never forget. They are the peer role models of our past. The generations that walked before us and subsequently left the imprint of their hearts with us. Quite simply, they are why we are the way we are, and we must never forget them.

Nature versus Nurture?

Sadly, many people may not have the good fortune to influence their lives positively, yet they still aspire to be good people regardless. They know right from wrong inherently, and these people are the future role models that vulnerable children need.

Is this the nature versus nurture debate? Are we naturally created to know right from wrong, or are we nurtured with support from others? Do we follow our natural path, or do we follow the path of change-makers that lead the way?

Change-makers know right from wrong.

The motivation for people who want change is not to be the best; in short, it’s much more straightforward than that. These people know right from wrong and what feels right to them. They are no more likely to tell a child to do something wrong than do it themselves; they know it would be false and potentially damaging.

Change-makers are motivated by honesty; they are good people who are not afraid to speak out. As a result, they are more likely to be championing others before themselves. These change-makers are people that vulnerable children and young people in care need; they inspire the future that children aspire to and follow their path with trust.

Change-makers; learning from past mistakes.

Many change-makers are people who have made mistakes and learned from them, and more importantly, they accepted the consequences of their actions with dignity.

Change-makers are role models; they are ordinary people with everyday lives; they are not celebrities creating a persona for children; change-makers are real people who walk with them.

Firstly, change-makers are the ones that hear children when no one else listens, and secondly, they pick them up and put them back down again as many times as it takes! Also, they never give up. And because they don’t; children thrive.

‘We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this extraordinary kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.’

Carl Rogers

Foster carers are unique change-makers who adapt to change.

For every path we take in life, we learn and adapt. Sometimes, the trail takes us out of our comfort zone, and for some people, change is good. Others prefer the comfort of familiarity; however, most change-makers have learnt from experiences, and as a result, this experience makes them unique.

The coronavirus has changed our lives, but it has not weakened our resolve to recruit new foster carers. If anything, it has made our resolve stronger. The Verve mission is simple; we recruit foster carers to increase the number of foster carers with Not- for- Profit charities. It’s a task which makes us unique!

Foster carers are the ‘influencers’ of today.

Foster carers are ‘influencers’ (whoever designed that phrase needs to give their head a wobble!) They promote positive well-being to children in a loving home where vulnerable children feel safe and wanted. Foster carers are ordinary people who may have made mistakes in their lives; subsequently, they learned from their mistakes due to their kindness.

Children in care are waiting to be heard and feel they belong in loving homes with foster carers to change their lives. These foster carers know how to make real change because of change-makers in their life that influenced them when they needed it most. Can you foster?

Verve gives you free and independent advice on becoming a foster carer with a ‘Not for Profit Charity. If you want to arrange a chat, get in touch on the contact form below. There’s no cost or commitment, just honest advice on the foster care recruitment process and how you can make a significant impact on a child’s life in your community.