Triathlete says being single is not a block to fostering

But having taken the leap, he is now one of many single person households that are part of the Foster Wales Swansea family - indeed they make up 30% of foster carers in the city.

Being single - whether male or female - is just one of the many myths that exist but as long as you are over the age of 18 and have a spare bedroom, your relationship status is not a deciding factor on whether you can foster or not.

Foster Wales Swansea simply want great foster carers who can support and encourage vulnerable children and young people, and a single person - whether male, female, gay, straight or transgender - can do this just as effectively as a couple.

Alex, who works within Children's Mental Health Services, said even though he works full time and trains daily in preparation for triathlon events, fostering is something he'd been thinking about for several years but feared he wouldn't be suitable.

He added: "Every single person brings a different perspective and set of skills to fostering - irrespective of your marital status or sexual orientation. I suppose for me, being single made the process much quicker and hassle free."

People can foster on a more part-time basis by offering respite or short breaks for a couple of nights a month and that's how Alex started.

Initially he had a teenage boy stay with him on respite, but it soon became clear that they were the right match for each other and Alex wanted to commit to care for the teenager until he reached adulthood, supporting him through education.

Alex said "In a short space of time, I went from providing short breaks and respite, to caring for the boy on a long-term basis. I haven't had to sacrifice anything by doing so either."

Alex said there are often misconceptions about teenagers in foster care being more challenging or troublesome than younger children, but he said this is simply untrue.

He added: "For me it was never in doubt that I would foster teenagers. From the very start of the process, I was clear I only wanted to offer respite/short term placements for older children.

"This was because I wanted to be able to fully engage with the young person and offer them not only a safe space but an opportunity to engage with activities outside of the home.

"I can only speak about my experience but if you treat the young person with respect and allow them space to make their own decisions without the need to try and enforce your own values and beliefs, that respect will be reciprocated.

"I would definitely recommend fostering. If done for the right reasons, it's so rewarding. The difference you can make to a young person by offering them a safe space and making them feel a sense of belonging is an amazing feeling. Foster Wales Swansea have been great from the first phone call. They are really responsive, open and honest which I think is really important in a person feeling supported."

Foster Wales Swansea is looking for people to be part of a community which encourages children in foster care to have high aspirations, reassuring them that they can achieve anything.

Swansea Council Cabinet member for Care Services, Louise Gibbard, said: "There are still too many myths around who would be suitable to foster but in reality, there are very few obstacles to fostering.

"Whether you work or are unemployed, are single or married, 26 or 72, have 3 kids or no kids, own your house or live in social housing, you can foster."

If you would like to find out more about fostering and how it can fit into your family dynamic or lifestyle, Foster Wales Swansea are holding an information event on Wednesday 22^nd January, 6-8pm in the Community Room based at Tesco Llansamlet. Come along to talk to foster carers.

For more information about fostering visit: www.swansea.fosterwales.gov.wales

Alternatively, contact the Foster Wales Swansea Team on 0300 555 0111.