A FOSTER dad from Castle Point is urging others to follow his footsteps in considering a new career in fostering.

Since the pandemic begun, more than 35 per cent of people felt unsatisfied in their current job, so foster dad Pete Hillman, is asking others to consider a change in their nine-five to fostering just like he did.

Pete Hillman, 52, spent more than 20 years as a facilities manager before working as a full-time foster carer alongside his role as a Church of England parish priest.

Now fostering with his wife Jen, 53; he has spoken about how he gave up his nine to five to take up this new career.

He said: “I found that I was spending increased amounts of time volunteering to help youngsters and I was enjoying it immensely, so decided it was time to commit to it and leave my nine to five behind.

“Fostering was always something we'd also spoken about and wanted to pursue, but while our sons were living at home, we felt it wasn’t the right time because of space”.

“Our values are to share our family life and share our family home with those who are in need and fostering has been a hugely fulfilling part of that.

“There's no greater feeling than knowing you’re helping people at their most vulnerable; find safety, security and a place to grow into the people that they have the potential to become.”

Pete's been fostering since 2014 and has provided a home for a total of nine children through Quality Foster Care; a regional fostering organisation that has an office in South Benfleet.

Louise Geddes, registered manager at Quality Foster Care, said how Pete's such a great role model.

“Pete's a brilliant foster carer who has been with us for many years now.

“He’s also a great example of someone who has left behind his traditional nine-five to follow new career path and it’s lovely to have a role model in a male foster carer like Pete and we hope that his story might inspire others to consider making the same change.”

For more information on foster care, contact Quality Foster Care on 01268919375