Meet Foster Carer Andie, part of Baptcare’s wonderful Foster Care community

There’s a saying that angels understand our prayers even when we can’t find the words to say them.

This is certainly the case with baby-whisperer Andie*, one of Baptcare’s wonderful family of foster carers.

Andie, 45, has cared for over 25 children in her 10 years as a foster carer but it’s the babies to whom she is most drawn. “I just tune into them,” she says. “I can still remember the way I felt when I was little and didn’t have the words or any power to express myself. I like to try and love them all up and make their life a bit more fluffy and nice around the edges.”

Andie, mother of two grown boys, was drawn to foster caring because she missed having little children in her home. “I love encouraging the little ones and watching them blossom,” she says. “My job as a carer is to love them and then let them go back to their families. It can be a very hard job and yet it’s also so fulfilling,” Andie says. “It’s such a lovely feeling to know you’ve helped but sometimes, I’m not going to lie, it’s like ripping part of your heart out. It’s definitely bittersweet.”

Andie doesn’t think she’s doing anything special in her role as a carer.

“I am the lucky one being able to care for these precious children,” she comments. “I feel so privileged to be able to care for them. Every one of these children has left a special place in my heart.”

*Image and other details changed to protect privacy