A carer who began her “heartwarming” fostering journey while aged in her 60s once her children had grown up and left home has backed calls for “empty nesters” to consider supporting children and young people in care.
If you have recently found yourself with a spare bedroom, it could be so much more than an occasional guest space. For a child in care, that room could mean stability, safety, and a chance to feel like they belong.
Judith Ellis became a foster carer in September 2018 after her children left home. In the last seven years, she and her husband, Martin, have fostered 24 children. Some staying for very short periods, some on several occasions and some for nearly two years. Ages range from six months to 17 years.
The 70-year-old said fostering has a heartwarming experience and has given her a new lease of life.
“We have two children and we only started thinking about fostering when they were grown up and working,” said Judith, “I had the opportunity to work part-time for the last two years before my pension. Martin and I realised if we didn't foster now, we never would. That was seven years ago!
“It’s been such a joy and heartwarming - as well as a challenge. Each child brings something different and gives you something new. It certainly keeps us active and interested, like a new lease of life.
“I never imagined that at 70 I'd be jumping in puddles, camping in the back garden or running down the golf course towing a child on a sledge. It’s been so much fun thanks to fostering.”
Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds. As of September this year, North Yorkshire Council has 419 children in foster care and there is an urgent need for more foster families to come forward.
The authority’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Many people in our community have raised families, built homes filled with love, and now find themselves with quieter households and open hearts.
“Fostering offers a chance to rediscover purpose and make a lasting difference in a child’s life. If you’re an empty nester looking for a new chapter, fostering could be the most meaningful way to begin it.”
Over the month of November, the council’s fostering teams will be out across North Yorkshire hosting drop-in sessions giving people the opportunity to learn more about how they can open their hearts and homes for children in care and join the fostering family. The next events are:
- Wednesday, 26 November, between 10am to 12:30pm at Skipton Library.
- Thursday, 27 November, between 10:30am and midday, Norton Hive Library and Community Hub.
- Saturday, 29 November, 10am to 2pm, Selby Abbey, The Crescent, Selby.
Assistant director for children and families, Mel Hutchinson, said: “Empty nesters bring a wealth of life experience, patience, and empathy - all qualities that make exceptional foster carers.
“If your children have flown the nest and your home feels quieter, fostering could be the most fulfilling way to bring joy and meaning back into your everyday life. With Fostering North Yorkshire, you won’t just change a child’s future, you’ll enrich your own.”
Find more information if you’re ready to start your fostering journey.