We heard the taxi arrive outside and leapt into frantic action. My husband Kevin and I hurriedly pushed the two barking dogs into the far room, yelled up to our three children, grabbed jumpers and stumbled out into the dark courtyard. The outside bulb over our doorway was broken, so the only light was what escaped our windows and the yellowish glare from inside the cab. Inside was a young refugee to whom we'd offered a home.
Our journey to this moment in December 2021 had started just a few months earlier, when an ad appeared on my Facebook feed. Stirling Council needed families to host unaccompanied young people seeking asylum. These were teenagers aged 16 to 18, who had travelled to the UK seeking refugee status, asking to remain here for their own safety.
Instantly I emailed social services to express an interest. When I told Kevin later, he simply said, 'Of course.' We had always talked about fostering when the kids were older.
We signed up to be host parents to kids who are part of the National Transfer Scheme, a Home Office initiative to move unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people out of overcrowded hotels in the south east of England and place them around the UK, ideally with families. Those who get involved in the scheme receive a small payment for room and full board.
Over the next three months, we completed an intensive home study, had a medical to ensure that we were fit and healthy, and asked friends and co-workers for references. We even did risk assessments on the goats, pigs, farm cats and chickens at our small croft.
Bu hikaye Woman & Home UK dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Woman & Home UK dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
A New Normal - The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
The Princess of Wales has always felt the pressure. Marrying into the most famous family in the world has been far from easy, but capable Catherine seemed to take it in her stride.Though the glamorous carapace, whether decked in Alexander McQueen or Zara, has hidden a more anxious young woman who didn't want to put a foot wrong. This past year has arguably been the toughest of Catherine's life - dealing with major abdominal surgery followed by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. But it has also given her the time to reprioritise and reassess what really matters.
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks