For two decades, Sarah and Tim Sharp have opened their home and their hearts to children and young people who need love, stability and care.
The retired North Yorkshire couple’s fostering journey began later in life after they became parents to their daughter, Lydia, at the age of 42. Wanting to grow their family but feeling adoption was not the right path for them, they turned to fostering - a decision that has shaped the lives of dozens of young people and their own ever since.
To date, the Sharps, who live in Bedale, have fostered up to 30 children and have experienced an “incredible variety of moments”. From family days out to discovering new places or trying new activities together, they have built a host of treasured memories. Each new experience has helped the children grow in confidence while bringing the whole family closer together.
As Foster Care Fortnight approaches next month when the national annual awareness event will run from 11 to 24 May, they are now hoping to inspire others to step forward and make a difference too.
Throughout their years of looking after children, the Sharps say they have always felt well supported by us, from training and practical guidance to having someone at the end of the phone whenever they needed advice.
In their first 10 years, they cared for many different children and have seen the fostering system evolve.
They said: “When we first started fostering, children often came into care because parents couldn’t cope, whereas now the service works hard to keep children safely cared for with their families before making a decision to bring children into care.
“We have really noticed how the support has strengthened over the years too. Social workers are far more focused on providing guidance, helping us understand children’s needs and being there when we need advice.”
The couple spoke fondly of two girls they cared for around nine or ten months and developed a strong relationship with, the girls later made contact with them again when they were adults because the couple had been such an important part of their lives.
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Sarah and Tim Sharp embody everything that is remarkable about our fostering community.
“For 20 years they have given children not just a safe home, but love, stability and the chance to thrive. This has created memories and an incredible variety of moments for the children to remember.”
She added: “Their dedication, compassion and resilience are an inspiration and we are incredibly grateful for the difference they and all our fostering families continue to make.”
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 the our family of local foster carers, loving homes are being provided for 438 North Yorkshire children and there is an urgent need for more local foster families to come forward.
Sarah and Tim Sharp have also spoken about the many joyful moments through fostering. They remembered taking one girl to the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk and watching her excitement.
They often visit places like the Forbidden Corner attraction near Middleham and the Lightwater Valley theme park and have loved nothing more than seeing children enjoy these experiences, sometimes for the very first time.
“Simple seaside trips for fish and chips on the beach became treasured memories,” they said. “We love seeing the fun children can have when given a loving home.”
In the past two decades, Sarah and Tim Sharp have learned to deal with challenges much better than when they started.
They said: “If you think you can provide a safe, comfortable, loving household for a child, you’ll gain a lot from it. It is hard work. There’ll be situations you aren’t sure about but make sure to use the support you can get. You are the voice for that child. If you, or they are not happy with anything, you can be their campaigner, you can help them.
“Ask if you need help because that’s what Fostering North Yorkshire are there for. Get as much support as you need and enjoy it!”