An inspirational North Yorkshire man, who spent more than a decade in foster care and is hoping to become a social worker to improve the lives of others, is calling on families to open their homes to children who need stability, love and a chance to thrive.
Ashley Smith, 23, is from a family of two brothers and two sisters who spent 13 years since the age of eight with three different foster families.
Throughout that journey, he was supported by his twin brother Nathan, who lived with him for nine of those years.
Despite what he describes as a “rough start”, Ashley is proud of how far he has come. He has worked since the age of 16 - starting at McDonald’s, completing an apprenticeship with us and progressing into business support within social care.
He now lives in York and is studying children, young people and society at university and will graduate in 2028. He hopes to adopt in the future and build a family of his own.
Ashley says he is “one of the lucky ones”, thanks to the stability and love he received with his final foster parents Diane and Stuart Kelly from Harrogate.
Although Ashley lived with them for only four years, he describes the home as “like a family” and he remains in close contact with them even today.
In fact, in his spare time he helps care for their current children when they go away, acting as a connected carer.
He said: “They offered a warm and loving home where I felt belonged. Diane and Stuart have done a lot for me emotionally and financially too. They loaned me money to buy my first car which was a huge help. However, the most impactful thing they did was love me as their own. Feeling accepted and at home is what helps build trust.”
Ashley also speaks openly about the challenges young people face when moving into a new home not knowing who they will live with, what the household values are, or whether they will be accepted for who they are.
As a gay young person, he says it mattered deeply to know whether carers were LGBT‑friendly or comfortable with him having friends over. Having his brother with him made those transitions easier and he is now championing the importance of keeping siblings together wherever possible.
Fostering North Yorkshire offers opportunities for different types of fostering and works closely with its foster carers to find the right fit for their own work and family commitments.
Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with or without children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds. As of September last year, along with families of local foster carers, we provided loving homes for 438 children and there is an urgent need for more local foster families to come forward.
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “We are incredibly proud of Ashley and everything he has achieved. His resilience, determination and commitment to improving the lives of others is truly inspiring.
“Ashley embodies the very best of our care‑experienced community and his journey shows just how powerful a loving, supportive foster home can be.”
Ashley admits his experiences have shaped his future. Inspired by the professionals who supported him, he is now pursuing a career in social work.
He said: “I was supported by a brilliant social worker who genuinely believed in me. Having those positive influences empowers you. It makes you want to do better, to be better and to give that same support to others.”
Ashley acknowledges that building trust can take time, but says the difference a caring, accepting home can make is immeasurable. “Not every child is the same. Carers need to be willing to adjust to the child and the situation. Truly caring and treating a young person as part of the family makes all the difference.
“I would ask more local families to think about fostering and offering a safe and loving home to a child who needs one and I would especially ask for brothers and sisters to be kept together whenever possible.”
Diane and Stuart added: “We are so so proud of Ashley and how far he’s come on his journey. When your foster children grow up and move out, it is great that they keep in touch and it is incredibly rewarding to see them grow and flourish into confident young adults.”