When Alex Simpson first thought about becoming a foster carer, he wasn’t sure whether fostering would fit around his busy life. As a single man working full-time in Children’s Mental Health Services and training regularly for triathlon events, he wondered if he could realistically make fostering work.
Today, Alex is caring for three teenage boys and says fostering has become one of the most rewarding parts of his life.
starting with respite care
Alex initially decided to foster because he wanted to make a positive difference in a young person’s life. He thought providing respite care for teenagers would be a good way to offer support while balancing his work and lifestyle.
However, his plans changed when a teenage boy came to stay with him.
“I initially started fostering because I wanted to do something positive for a young person and thought respite care would fit around my work and lifestyle. Then a teenage boy came to stay with me and I realised I could offer much more than short breaks. Seeing the difference that stability, consistency and trust could make was incredibly powerful and it gave me a real sense of purpose.”
seeing the impact first-hand
In April 2024, a 16-year-old boy moved in with Alex. Having already experienced several placement moves, the young person quickly settled into family life. Watching his confidence grow inspired Alex to continue his fostering journey.
The young man has since turned 18 and remains living with Alex through a ‘When I Am Ready’ arrangement, allowing the supportive relationship they have built together to continue.
“Watching him grow in confidence and seeing how quickly he began to flourish showed me the impact fostering can have. It made me want to help more children and young people experience the same stability, support and opportunities.”
a home for three teenagers
What started with one young person soon grew into a lively household of three teenagers. In April 2025, Alex welcomed a second young person into his home and later agreed to care for a third teenager when a spare bedroom became available.
Despite fostering three young people while working full-time, Alex says the balance is achievable with the right support network and realistic expectations.
“People often assume you can’t foster if you work full-time, but that’s simply not true. I’ve got fantastic support from colleagues, friends and family, and I’ve learned not to put pressure on myself to be perfect. The most important thing is being there consistently for the young people and creating a home where they feel safe, valued and supported.”
helping young people thrive
For Alex, fostering is about helping young people build confidence, independence and resilience, while knowing they always have someone they can rely on.
He encourages the boys in his care to try new things, develop their skills and learn from life’s experiences, knowing he is there to support them when needed.
The positive impact has already been clear to see. One young person now actively seeks Alex’s advice and support, another has gained the confidence to talk openly about his feelings, and a third has become much more communicative and willing to share his experiences and achievements.
“It’s often the small things that mean the most. Seeing a young person ask for help when they need it, share something they’re proud of, or open up about how they’re feeling demonstrates just how far they’ve come. Those moments remind me why fostering matters.”
making a difference to the whole family
One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering for Alex has been hearing from the boys’ birth families and knowing that his support is helping them through difficult times too.
“When a birth family thanks you for supporting their child during a difficult period in their lives, it means a great deal. Receiving that validation reassures me that I’m making a positive difference. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re helping not only the young person but their wider family too.”
alex’s advice
Alex hopes his story encourages people who may think they are unsuitable to foster because they are single or have a full-time job.
“There is no such thing as the perfect foster carer. Every person brings their own strengths, skills and experiences. If you’re considering fostering, don’t rule yourself out. The difference you can make in a young person’s life is extraordinary, and the rewards are unlike anything else.”
interested in fostering?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. Whether you’re single, working full-time, raising a family or living on your own, you may have exactly what a child or young person needs.
To find out more about fostering with Foster Wales Swansea, visit www.swansea.fosterwales.gov.wales or call 0300 555 0111.
