Small HOMES
The Foster Hub Home
New Fostering Hub Home in Wakefield!
We’re thrilled to share that Wakefield is launching a brand-new Fostering Hub Home. The special home is all about giving young people the time and space to build strong connections foster carers. All in a safe, supportive, and caring environment.
The Fostering Hub Home will:
- help make moves into foster care as smooth as possible
- create a close team of carers, residential staff, and young people who support each other
- give young people the chance to feel part of a community.
Our foster carers at the Hub Home will receive training and support to ensure they can provide the very best care for young people aged 10-15. This young people will be cared for by someone who truly understands their needs. As part of a team dedicated to helping them thrive.
If you’d like to know more or have any questions, speak with your social worker or contact us at fostering@wakefield.gov.uk. We’re here to help!
Joanne Poundford - Registered Manager
I do this job because I LOVE IT! Every day is a different day, I’m always really busy and never board! I enjoy the challenges involved in helping young people realise how special they are, believe me they all are, some just struggle to see it right away!
The biggest reason why I chose to work with and look after children and young people is so that I can try my best to make a difference to their lives and help them to realise their full potential.
I want the young people who come to live at The Foster Hub Home, whether it be for 1 month or for 6 months, to feel that they are truly cared for, valued and most importantly to be HAPPY!
Shaun Dunkley - Assistant Manager at The Foster Hub Home
Hi, my name is Shaun.
I do this job because I want to ensure that all children and young people get the best start in life. I love getting to know young people and finding out what they are interested in. I am keen on outside art and movies. I want to make sure that all young people feel safe and looked after in my care. I love helping young people discover their interests and meet their full potential I am a person who is kind, caring and enjoy having a laugh. Overall, I want young people to know they can trust me and share anything with myself.
Here's what young people in Wakefield think of our homes:
"My carers are funny"
"I have a nice bedroom"
"Everyone takes an interest in me and say I am amazing"
"I do nice things"
"I am kept safe"
"My carers try their best and want the best for me"
"I am always listened to and respected"
"This is my 6th placement in 2 years. It is now my last and longest placement and I now call it home"
"This is the best home I have ever lived"
"My carers are beautiful and I love them, they are my sunshine and rainbow"
"We are extended family"
"I am listened to and taken seriously"
"My carers look out for my family as well me"
"My carers believe in me"
"Sam is like my Mum figure"
Wakefield also have five two bedded children’s homes
They look like all the other homes on the same street and are small nurturing environments for you to enjoy and thrive. Everyone here wants to help you to achieve your best and provide a safe environment for you to thrive in. We understand that moving to a new place to live can sometimes be scary.
Head of Service, Samantha Walshaw
Welcome
I started this job such a long time ago because I wanted to be a positive influence to each and every young person and family that I spend time with. It may feel scary right now but we will be with you every step of the way.
Here we believe you should have everything you need to enjoy life.
We promise to always listen to you and support you in every way we can.
My staff are very special and will support you throughout your journey making many happy memories along the way. Together we can achieve anything!!! The possibilities are endless.
We can’t wait to meet you!
My Mobile 07787273519
My email sjwalshaw@wakefield.gov.uk
Clarence and Briar Homes
Ihsan Manzoor -Registered Manager:
I have worked with young people for such a long time because I believe you should get the very best support possible. My main priority is to make sure you feel safe, well cared for and make memories for the future. I enjoy building relationships and learning about young people including what’s most important to you, your favourite hobbies, meals and much more! We hope you will really like it here. I’ll always be here if you have any questions.
See you soon
Liz Earle: Assistant Manager at Clarence Home
Hi, my name is Liz and I have been a residential worker for 10 years! I absolutely love helping young people to realise their potential and achieve their goals. I really enjoy drawing, crafting, going for walks and been silly. Here at Clarence, we will make sure you are listened to try our very best to help you in any way we can, I know we will have loads of laughs a fun along the way.
I am really looking forward to meeting you and I am looking forward to sharing this crazy journey called life.
Stephen Fairhurst: Assistant Manager at Briar Home
Hi, I’m Steve and a massive welcome to the home.
We will all try here to help you along your pathway going forward. Briar will look to
keep a nurturing and understanding environment for you.
Making Briar your home is our aim. Can't wait to meet you 
The Croft and Churchbalk Home
Rebecca Nicklin - Registered Manager
Hi I’m Becky, I’m the Homes Manager.
I will always do my best to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible. I understand that you will be feeling worried and that’s ok, we will help you to adjust to your new environment and within time it will soon become a place you call home. I am always here for a chat and a cuppa. I will do my best to support you. I can’t wait to meet you and see what your interests are.
Lisa Atack: Assistant Manager at Churchbalk Home
Hi, I’m Lisa. I’m the assistant Manager of the home, I’m here to help you and the staff team that will support you here at Churchbalk.
I’m super excited to meet you!
I’ve worked with children for over 15 years and a further two years experience in a community-based setting.
I have lots of years' experience working with adults too.
I love doing arts and crafts, cooking and baking. I am looking forward to making lots of happy memories with you.
Cottam and Regent Homes
Laura Ellis -Registered Manager
Hi, I’m Laura,
With the help of the team here I will always do my best to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible.
I know moving home can be scary, just know that my door is always open, just make sure you bring a milky cup of tea with you 😉
I like to make everyone laugh and smile, I will try anything once and I love an adventure, so lets go see what's out there!
Nat Towning - Assistant Manager at The Croft
Hi, I’m Nat. I am so excited to meet you, we are going to have so much fun together. I hope to help you become the best version of you. There may be days that are challenging, but I will do my very best to help you overcome any difficulties, worries or concerns you have. I will support you in every way I can. You can achieve anything if you work hard for it and I want to be there when you fulfil it.
We are in this together #1#TeamCroft
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Hi, I am Nick Brewer, Assistant Manager at The Croft
I have worked in residential care for some years now and believe that we can all learn something new every day and always look to be creative and make things as entertaining as possible.
I believe that together we can work together along with the others here at the Croft to all work towards being the best we can and having a fun and memorable time along the way.
Look forward to meeting you at the Croft.
John Oxley - Assistant Manager Cottam Home
With the help of the team here I will always do my best to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible.
I like to make everyone laugh and smile, I think I'm a bit of a mushroom at times (fungi ha ha) and I will try anything once (apart from Tuna) I'm a bit of a car geek and love to drive and go on adventures , so lets go see where the journey takes us!