Council worker shares her fostering journey and encourages others ...

For Hannah Ikhlas, taking a life-changing step to become a foster parent has been a life changing journey – one which she would encourage others to consider embarking on.

The mother-of-three, who works as a Team Leader and Assessor for the Reablement Service at Manchester City Council, began fostering a young person in November 2023 and believes the journey has transformed her life and made a lasting impact on her foster child and their futures.

 The 49-year-old, from Cheadle, described her life as now having more “fulfilment”. Having three grown children of her own, aged 25, 20, and 16, she was experiencing what many refer to as "empty nest syndrome". 

As her children became more independent, she began to reflect on what she could give back to others. She realised she had extra space in her home and heart and knew she wanted to make a difference knowing that many children across Manchester do not have the security, stability, or support which some of us take for granted. 

Despite the initial and normal concerns which come with bringing a foster child into your life, including about balancing fostering with her full-time job, Hannah decided to proceed.  

The Council’s fostering team and social workers supported her thorough the fostering process and ensured all protective measures and safeguarding were in place, which is standard across all foster applications to ensure all children and young people live in safe and loving homes. 

The process made her even more equipped to take on responsibilities as a foster carer and helped welcome the new addition to her family.   Her foster child has made tremendous progress, building a deep bond which has given them the tools to work through problems and for their relationship to flourish.  Fostering means potential foster carers can take on the role of caring for a child or young person for a few nights to many years to give them a brighter future. 

To find out more on how to become a foster carer, please visit Fostering.  

Hannah said: “It’s not just about giving, it's about what you receive in return - it’s a two-way street. I’ve learned so much from my foster child, and this experience has made me a better person. I truly feel like I am making a positive impact on the world, and that’s something I never thought I would be able to say.

"It’s been a positively eye-opening experience for me and my family. My children are proud to be part of our foster family, and it’s been a wonderful experience for us all. I hope to continue fostering for the long term.

It’s not always easy, but if you have the heart to give, the rewards are immeasurable. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact and create a safe, loving home for a young person who needs it." 

Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Children, Early Years and Young People, said: “Real life stories like Hannah’s demonstrate first-hand the incredible impact that fostering can have on the lives of children and young people. “We have a robust process and supportive fostering team that ensures potential foster carers and children are well-matched into loving and safe homes for them to thrive. 

"Taking the leap into fostering can come with challenges, however, it also comes with a great personal reward in pouring into a child or young person’s life knowing you have the full support and access to the fostering team's expertise throughout your journey. “I would encourage people like Hannah who are ready and willing to make the commitment to consider changing a child’s life for good by becoming a foster carer.”