“It’s amazing to have a family who truly cares for me”

Lesley and Michael, both in their sixties, have been fostering with Barnardo’s in Edinburgh for eight years.

How Lesley and Michael started fostering

Michael had worked in a residential unit for children aged 5–18 for many years, and he first met Ewan there. The bond they built during late-night chats in the residential unit made a lasting impression. Those conversations meant a lot to Ewan, who often felt isolated in his room, only coming out at mealtimes. That simple connection made a big difference.

Similarly Lesley had always been drawn to caring roles. She began her career as a nurse before supporting people experiencing homelessness. She loved the role because she could see the difference it made. One day, a friend she worked with, who was also a foster carer, suggested that Lesley would be great at fostering. 

Together, Lesley and Michael took the next step to foster, hoping to support young people like Euan. The couple got in touch with Barnardo’s, and social worker Lindsey visited their home for an initial meeting. With the encouragement of their adult children, they decided to start fostering. It’s a decision they’ve never once looked back on.

Five years ago, by complete chance, Ewan was matched with Lesley and Michael and he came into their home. They've been Ewan’s full-time foster carers ever since. They’ve supported him in school, helped him achieve success in his exams, and prepared him for the next stage of his education. With their support, Ewan is now set to begin college next year.

Ewan sometimes reflects on how different his life might have been if he had remained in the residential care unit, without the family support he now has. Today, he enjoys friendships, access to education, a sense of community, and the freedom to work part-time and attend in-person games clubs.

He also gets to enjoy being part of an extended family. One of their favourite memories is a big holiday celebrating Lesley’s 60th birthday with 18 family members.

The challenges and rewards of fostering

“When Ewan first joined our family, it wasn’t easy,” reflects Lesley. “He struggled to adapt and often felt frustrated, unable to express his emotions. Sometimes that meant taking his feelings out on us.”

Ewan adds: “Looking back now, I realise I made situations harder sometimes, but the fact Lesley never gave up on me has meant everything.”

Lesley emphasises the importance of empathy and patience: “You really need to listen to the child in your care, put yourself in their shoes and try to understand what they’ve been through. Beyond that, take it one day at a time. Talk things through, work things out together, and remember you’ll always have Barnardo’s there to support you.”

For Ewan and Michael, small everyday moments have helped build a strong bond.

“Someone once told Ewan he reminded them of a giraffe and now every Christmas he gets a giraffe as a gift! It’s little things like that which make family life special.”

Support network for foster carers

Like any family, there are ups and downs, but Lesley and Michael never feel alone.

“Barnardo’s is always there to support us. Our social worker often reminds us that she’d worry if everything seemed perfect all the time because real life isn’t like that!” says Lesley. She continues:

“We’re also part of the Mockingbird constellation, a fantastic network of foster carers in our area. We meet up for regular events, share experiences, and can rely on each other for short breaks when needed. It feels like being part of a bigger family.”

Advice for anyone thinking about fostering

Lesley and Michael emphasise empathy and understanding:

“It is important to remember the journey the young person has been on and to put yourself in their shoes. Seeing them happy, settled, and progressing in life is rewarding; it shows the positive impact of being part of a family. The difference you can make to a young person’s life is incredible.”

They also highlight the importance of asking questions during the assessment process:

“Ask questions, lots of them, throughout your assessment journey. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll feel. Even now, when we ask questions, our social worker might not have the answer straight away, but she always gets back to us. And when it comes to the matching process, don’t be afraid to dig deeper. Ask for any extra details they have about the child. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be and that can all the difference to you both.”

Thinking about fostering?

If Lesley and Michael’s story inspires you, you may be closer to starting your fostering journey than you think. If you foster with us you’ll be joining a charity with over 150 years of experience supporting children. You’ll receive tailored support, expert training, a competitive fostering allowance, and access to a community of like-minded carers.

The photo at the top of this page has been posed by models.