A TAMESIDE foster carer has received royal recognition for the difference he has made to more than 70 children and young people over 36 years.
Dave Atkins, 79, from Audenshaw, was invited to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his long-standing commitment to fostering.
A single male foster carer, Dave ran his own joinery business for more than 30 years while fostering full-time, providing more than 70 placements for teenage boys through Tameside Council.
Reflecting on his invitation to the palace, Dave said: “I couldn’t believe it had happened to me – it was fantastic.
“I had to think why am I here and really, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the wonderful young people I’ve cared for over the years, and what they’ve managed to achieve.”
One of his favourite moments was seeing the King and Queen appear on the balcony before walking down the steps.
“When I was younger, anytime I was in London I’d try and visit the palace and stand outside the gates, I never thought I’d be on the other side,” he said.
The experience even inspired Dave to take up gardening after visiting the palace’s rose garden.
“It even gave me some inspiration when I was walking around their rose garden, which I’m now trying to grow my own!”
Dave began his fostering journey after supporting a young boy who had been living in a derelict house over Christmas.
He subsequently offered the boy a full-time job and trained him as a joiner, an experience which helped inspire him to become a foster carer.
Over the years, Dave says the young people he has cared for have become part of his family.
“I’ve built my own family unit over the years and I’m so proud of every one of them for what they’ve done.
“They really do support me, all of the young lads are so brilliant, and they all show their appreciation.”
Dave said one of the most rewarding aspects of fostering has been seeing the young people he cared for go on to build careers and families of their own, particularly after difficult starts in life.
“We need more foster carers to support local children, and young people have the best start in life,” he said.
Dave is now approaching the end of his fostering journey but is encouraging others to consider becoming carers.
Dave said: “Please do enquire about fostering, there’s so many young people there just waiting for an opportunity.
“You’re bringing someone into your life who can benefit from being in your home, I cannot see how anyone would regret it.”
He added: “I know times can be difficult but that happens in any family and you work through it with plenty of support, you’re never on your own with any problem so please go for it because these children need you.”
Tameside residents are being encouraged to consider fostering, with the council saying applicants can be supported throughout the process.
Anyone aged 21 or over can apply, provided they have a spare room, unless they are fostering a child under the age of two, and can offer a safe and loving home.
Foster carers receive training, including online options, as well as support and an allowance. New carers also become part of the local fostering community, with access to support groups, social events, awards and a dedicated buddy.
Tameside Council and local foster carers also run regular ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ drop-in sessions both in person and online.
Anyone interested in fostering can contact the council by calling 0300 303 0321, emailing enquire@fosterforgm.com or visiting www.fosterforgm.com/tameside.