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My journey began long before Community Bliss CIC became a reality.
Growing up, I was surrounded by foster children within my wider family, which gave me an early connection to fostering. However, it was around ten years ago, when my mum became a foster carer herself, that I truly began to understand the realities of fostering and what it takes to care for a child who may have experienced trauma, loss and instability.
The Beginning
I naturally stepped in to support my mum. I became someone she could talk to, helping her manage stress, protect her own wellbeing, establish healthy boundaries, understand trauma-related behaviours and explore ways to support a child's emotional regulation through co-regulation. I also supported her in understanding challenging behaviours and finding practical ways to respond to the needs of the children in her care. Alongside this, I offered mentoring support to the children themselves.
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Through this experience, I realised that foster carers need a safe, understanding and non-judgemental space where they can talk openly, feel heard and receive support for their own wellbeing, not just guidance about the children they care for.
Stepping In
That is where the vision for Community Bliss CIC began.
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I wanted to help bridge the gap I had witnessed by creating a space where foster carers feel supported, valued and understood. A space where they can prioritise their own wellbeing while continuing to provide the care, stability and understanding that children need.
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Community Bliss CIC was created from that personal experience, with a simple belief at its heart: foster carers need support too. Because when we take care of the people who care for children, we help create stronger foundations for everyone.
The Vision
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Through my mum's journey, I witnessed the challenges that foster carers can face behind closed doors. Although social workers were involved, I could see that there were times when my mum needed more than professional guidance about the child. She needed someone to listen to her, support her mental health and wellbeing, and help her navigate the emotional demands of fostering.
Accessing additional support, such as counselling, could take months, leaving her to manage some of these challenges while waiting for help.