Meet the Southampton couple who have fostered six children

Teenage sweethearts Pete and Jo met each other when they were 16 and 18 through a city church youth group.

The pair have now been married for 32 years and are blessed with two daughters, who are in their twenties. 

READ MORE: Southampton mum who fostered 400 children has died aged 83

The duo opened their home to foster children more than two years ago after being inspired by their friends, who are also foster carers. 

Jo, a former nurse, said: "We had a friend who was very much part of promoting foster care in the city. We just felt that it was something that we'd like to do, but we weren't sure when it would be the right time.

"We approached the council to find out more about seven years ago, but through a bit of discussion, we realised it was too soon for us because our children were both still at home. 

"And during the Covid-19 national lockdown, we kept hearing that there is more need for foster parents than normal. 

"At that time, we had an empty house - just us both - so we thought, maybe this is a better time." 

After getting the green light from the council, Jo and Pete signed up for rigorous online training to help them be the best foster parents. 

Pete, a project manager for local charities, added: "The training is very necessary, because as a foster parent you will be doing jobs where you're taking on some very vulnerable children who need support. 

"Because we had our own children, we have some experience. But it's still very different looking after someone else's child.

"So it was good to learn some things to help you support and care for them." 

Pete and Jo from Southampton have been foster parents for nearly two years (Image: Shivalika Puri)

When Jo and Pete first qualified as foster parents, they started off as respite parents, where they looked after children for short periods of time, like on weekends or during school holidays. 

Jo added: "It worked really well for us because it gave us a chance to kind of get the hang of it because at first it can be quite a shock.

"After that, we felt ready to take the plunge." 

The couple are now short-term foster parents, meaning they can provide care for just a few days or up to two years.

Since starting this new chapter of their lives, Jo and Pete have welcomed six children into their homes so far. 

Pete added: "The youngest child who came to us was 18 months old, and the oldest was eight years old. 

"Sometimes we are offered an older child, and then it's up to us to decide.

"But we've been quite keen to stick to the younger age. It kind of suits our skills and our confidence." 

When inviting children into their homes, the pair has had to make some changes not only to their lifestyle but also to their homes. 

They turned their oldest daughter's room into a safe space for foster children. 

Jo added: "The council also wanted us to put locks on cupboards and windows and fence up our garden. 

"The children's safety is the utmost priority, and we were fine about it." 

Sitting in their living room, the couple also happily shared heartwarming stories about witnessing the growth and development of some children. 

Pete added: "We've been able to introduce the kids to some new things like riding a bike and climbing trees. 

"A boy that we looked after—we're still in touch with him. 

"It's really good to see him continue to grow and develop with some of the things that we'd help introduce him to, whether that was food, a regular bedtime, or just going to school. 

READ MORE: Southampton foster carers urge for more people to foster in the cityPete and Jo have been married for 32 years (Image: Shivalika Puri)

Moving on, the pair talked about the immense joy they feel when they see the positive impact they have had on a child's life, knowing that they have provided them with stability, love, and support during a challenging time.

At the same time, they spoke openly about the challenges they had faced.

They acknowledge that being a foster parent can be emotionally demanding and that it is essential to take care of yourself to provide the best possible care.

Jo added: "Sometimes you can't help but get involved. You live through their struggles sometimes. 

"They often have contact with family, and they will tell you little snippets about what their life was like.

"At times you think of all the things that are sadly done to them or that they've seen, and you can't help but feel sad for them." 

While there are some good days and bad days, Jo and Pete said they feel happy and lucky to care for children in any way they can. 

They are now urging other people to sign up for foster care and open their doors to vulnerable children.

Pete said: "Don't write yourself off because you think you're not good enough or whatever.

"If you're the kind of caring person who is willing to learn and loves children, then it is worth exploring this opportunity." 

Meanwhile, Jo pitched in: "To be honest, we're not a perfect couple, and we're not a perfect family. That doesn't exist.

"But I think if you can provide a caring home for a child who's facing some real challenges, that's a really great privilege and opportunity."