The Power of Relationships: Blogs

My best friend is Michelle, and she works in a Pupil Referral unit. We met many years ago when I was nineteen when we worked in a bar together and retain similar values and beliefs. We also share the same passions and frustrations about the world and we want to have an impact and make a difference.

I’m lucky to have the benefit of someone who not only has a similar outlook on life but has the important experience of working with young people – many of whom are looked after children - and working with the services that we try to engage with.

And equally just being a supportive friend, someone who says: ‘I understand what you mean’, or ‘I can see your point of view on that, have you tried this’? both in the context of foster care and generally. But it's like speaking to a professional. She’s also someone I can be very vulnerable with, without feeling bad or guilty. And she understands fostering. Usually, it's very it's difficult for people outside of it.

Michelle is fantastic at pre-empting situations and finding solutions to problems, and totally understands what I’m trying to achieve with my young people. Take education for instance, it’s not linear, there’s not one path through life. She helps me and therefore the young people in my care understand ourselves better, and that helps us take the right path through certain situations. Michelle is a vital part of my extended support network that enables me to be the carer that I am today. I love her!