The chance to bring support to some of our most vulnerable young people is an opportunity that can bring so much joy and reward to everyone involved.

We meet a carer who began her “heart-warming” fostering journey in her 60s once her children had grown up and left home and who 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 stayed for very short periods, some on several occasions and some for nearly two years. Ages have ranged from six months to 17 years.

The 70-year-old has spoken of how fostering has been a heart-warming experience and has given her a new lease of life.

Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds. As of September this year, we have 419 children in foster care and there is an urgent need for more foster families to come forward.

Throughout November, our 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 to children in care and join the fostering family. The next events are:

• Wednesday 26 November, between 10am and 12:30pm at Skipton Library
• Thursday 27 November, between 10:30am and midday at Norton Hive Library and Community Hub
• Saturday 29 November, between 10am and 2pm at Selby Abbey, The Crescent, Selby, YO8 4PU

Our 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.”

If you're ready to start your fostering journey or would like to speak to someone, please visit our fostering page.