'I use trauma of my dad's death to help children'

Sheena says she helped her children by getting them talking about their father's death and not keeping feelings inside

A woman whose father died when she was 10 said it inspired her to help children who found themselves in foster care.

Sheena, from Lancashire, lost her husband in a crash when her children were aged 10 and 12.

Foster carer Sheena said enduring personal tragedies means she has been able to help others though trauma. Lancashire County Council said despite being a foster care for only a year she has transformed the life of a young girl.

The 57-year-old said: "We have come through some tough times as a family and this is why l wanted to foster to give hope, love and happiness to another child."

Sheena added: "It was hard for my children, but l was able to help them through it by talking about it and not keeping feelings inside.

"We have photos up all over the house of both my dad and my husband.

"We have come through some tough times as a family and this is why l wanted to foster to give hope, love and happiness to another child.

"l have had enough trauma to help children through theirs."

'Showered' with affection

The county council she has made a "huge difference" to an eight-year-old in her care.

Emily - not the girl's real name - had lived in several different homes before living with Sheena.

She has now settled in school and has gone from being unable to read or write to enjoying reading books and practising her spellings.

Sheena said: "What Emily really needed was stability and a family to be there for her.

"She has needed one-on-one time and support to help her at school and it's made a world of difference.

"Her behaviour has also improved, and I think having rules, boundaries and a structure has been the making of her."

Sheena added: "What she's really craved is love and affection, which we've showered her with.

"Emily tells us she loves being part of a family of her own, and as a tomboy she enjoys playing football with my son.

"This older-brother relationship is a great benefit."

She said her daughter and her daughter's partner would look after Emily to give Sheena a break so she could see her friends.

Her daughter also does extra tutoring with Emily.

Last year, Lancashire became one of nine regions across the UK to open the Foster With Us Hub, with the aim of local authorities working together to help recruit, share resources and provide more support for foster carers.

In turn, it is hoped more people will be willing and able to foster.

According to the latest government data, there was a 4% drop in foster carers in north-west England in the last year.