The Power of Relationships: When Two Families Become One

A Meeting that Changed Everything

The two couples were yet to meet, but they knew of each other. Blue Sky Fostering had already shared that the three boys - Jasper, James and Charlie - were siblings who had been separated in their past.

Although they were fostering the children individually, both couples were committed to maintaining the sibling bond between them.

From Foster Carers to Close Friends

Soon after fostering the boys, they met face-to-face at a Blue Sky Carers Support meeting. That initial connection quickly led to a trip with the children—and from there, a strong and lasting friendship grew. “Now we meet three, sometimes four times a week,” says Annmarie. “The kids do activities together, we have meals - we’ve even been on holiday as one big group.” Bill adds: “Blue Sky offers loads of support groups and outings, so it’s easy to make friendships, but this is something different. We enjoy spending time together even when the kids aren’t around.”

Transforming Lives

The children benefitted from the new family dynamic straight away. All the girls live with ADHD, and Katie - who struggles to make friends - found true companionship and understanding in Annmarie and Bill’s daughters. For Jasper, who is autistic and has developmental needs, reconnecting with his brothers in a calm and consistent way has been life changing. “Jasper is 15, but emotionally he’s more like 7 or 8,” says Sue. “He’s quiet, gentle, and needs encouragement to engage - being around his brothers regularly is so important, whilst the extra space allows him to grow in confidence too.”

The Power of Shared Understanding

Last Christmas was the first that the boys had ever celebrated - and they did so together. From go-karting adventures (with Jasper cautiously cruising at 5mph) to spontaneous mid-week dinners, and holidays where the children have felt safe enough to explore independently, this unique extended family has gone from strength to strength. Within our little circle, there’s no judgement”, says Bill. “You can swap stories, laugh, vent, and share ideas. It makes all the difference.”

Within our little circle, there’s no judgement.

For anyone thinking about fostering, Sue has this to say: “We all fostered because we want to help a child - but it’s also about being part of something bigger. A whole community. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll find special friends who feel like family too.”