Foster Care Stories
Elysha’s story
“With Team Fostering I felt more supported than I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Elysha Payne, now aged 21 had a difficult childhood, not experiencing things a lot of children take for granted and trying to overcome the impact of the difficult times she’d been through.
The turning point came when she went to live with Team Fostering carers Paul and Barry. The safe space they provided, combined with the experiences and support offered by Team Fostering made a big difference to Elysha’s future.
Elysha explains: “When I was with them everything changed. I was in a dark place for most of my time in care but they did nothing but support me.”
Getting involved with Team Fostering activities
The activities and opportunities offered by Team Fostering gave Elysha an opportunity to escape from things she was struggling with at the time.
Elysha said: “I remember going bowling with other foster children and carers.
“You’d think a normal child would have those experiences but for me as a child growing up I wasn’t allowed to.
“At that time I was just opening up about the abuse that I’d been through and it was a massive help and a distraction.”
One-to-one support
Staff from Team Fostering’s Education and Support Service also spent time with Elysha on her own – providing the time out she needed.
Elysha said: “With Team Fostering I felt more supported than I’ve ever felt in my life.
“I was at college at the time. I didn’t really focus because I still had too much going on but Nikki from Team Fostering used to take me out to do an activity every week.
“At the time you don’t really appreciate it because you’re too busy focussing on the negatives but looking back I had so many people rooting for me.”
Looking back at positive memories
Although Elysha found things tough to navigate during her time in care, she looks back fondly on the simple memories she created with Paul and Barry.
“We did loads of stuff together just to try and take my mind off things,” Elysha said.
“We used to bake and made cheesecakes together. We went bowling. We went out for meals together. Me and Paul would stay up until two or three in the morning just chatting and laughing.
“You can buy all the gifts in the world but to me it’s just having that one-on-one time together and being able to have someone to open up to.”
Using her experience to support others
Thanks to the support she received from her foster carers and Team Fostering, Elysha’s enjoying a much more positive future and using her experience to support others as part of the Kings Trust.
She said: “I’ve managed to trust men. I’m in a happy and healthy relationship now.
“I’ve managed to get onto the Kings Trust which is to support young people aged 16-25 with employment, starting their own business or volunteering and I’m an ambassador for them now.
“It’s really rewarding.”
A thank you to my foster carers
Elysha’s foster carers gave her back a childhood she deserved, dedicating patience, love and time to making her feel safe.
She said: “It’s not always a bad thing going into care. I know you’d rather be with your family but you make your own family when you’re in care and that’s what I’ve done with Paul and Barry.
“At that time I was in and out of attempting to take my own life and they were there with open arms. I was wrapped up in a blanket of love.
“I can’t thank them enough. They saved me.”
Could you provide a young person like Elysha with childhood memories they’ll look back on with a smile? Get in touch about becoming a foster carer with Team Fostering on 0800 292 2003 or submit an online enquiry below.