News

27.04.07

Couple celebrate a lifetime of caring for others

Mandy and David Hayes

Mandy and David Hayes love children, in fact they love them so much that they have dedicated their lives to caring for over 70 youngsters. Now after 13 years of fostering for Caerphilly County Borough Council, Mandy and David have decided to retire.

"We've cared for people for a very long time" said Mandy, who explains how and when it all started. "We used to do something similar to fostering in Birmingham - but for homeless people. We'd take in homeless families, single mums or battered wives who wanted to get away from abusive relationships.

When Mandy and David moved to Caerphilly they got involved with supported lodgings, which is a scheme that provides a home for young people who leave the care system. "Our link worker suggested we may like to foster too, and it went from there really."

Mandy and David have cared for children aged from 10 months to teenagers, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. "If we were younger, we'd do it all over again" said David. "The working relationship we've had with Caerphilly Social Services has been excellent."

Now that they've retired, they hope to go on holiday a lot more, with a big trip planned in February to Australia, Mandy is also going to join a painting class while David will be spending more time playing bowls.

The house is now extremely quiet, and Mandy can now enjoy a bath in peace, for the first time in 13 years.

CCBC Cabinet Member for Social Service, Cllr Robin Woodyatt, said, "Mandy and David have been wonderful foster carers and are a shining example to us all. They will be sorely missed and, on behalf of Social Services, I would like to wish them every happiness in their retirement."

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer for Caerphilly County Borough Council, then please do not hesitate to contact the Family Placement Team on 0800 587 5664.