At Lighthouse Fostering, we are continually inspired by the incredible dedication of our foster carers. They open their hearts and homes to children, providing stability, love, and hope. Today, we are especially proud to celebrate two of our amazing foster carers, Dave Springett and Jo Montier, whose commitment to supporting young people extends far beyond their roles with us. Both Dave and Jo have taken on vital positions with the Young Lives Foundation (YLF), using their skills and compassion to make an even broader impact.
Dave Springett: A New Voice for Young People
We are thrilled to congratulate Dave Springett on his new role as an advocate with the Young Lives Foundation. The YLF is a remarkable charity dedicated to ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard, particularly those in care or facing difficult life circumstances. Dave’s transition into this role is a natural extension of the empathy and dedication he already demonstrates as a foster carer.
Sharing his excitement, Dave said:
“I started at YLF as an advocate this week. Excited to work for such an amazing charity and support children and young people who need their voices heard. The advocacy team at YLF is widely recognised, even as finalists for the Children and Young People Now Awards in the Advice and Guidance category. Competing with Child Line, Lancashire County Council, and Fight for Peace! It’s nerve-wracking to join such a great team but also exciting. For my personal development, I couldn’t be in a better place and look forward to using new skills to better support the children I look after.”
Dave’s words capture the passion and humility that make him such an asset to both Lighthouse Fostering and the YLF.
What Does an Advocate Do?
An advocate is a crucial figure in a young person’s life. Their primary role is to ensure that a child's wishes, feelings, and views are heard and taken seriously in decisions that affect them. This is especially important for children in the care system, who often have to navigate complex meetings with social workers, school staff, and other professionals.
Advocates like Dave empower children by:
- Explaining their rights: Many children are unaware of their rights within the care system. An advocate ensures they understand what they are entitled to.
- Supporting them in meetings: Dave will help young people prepare for important meetings and can attend with them to help them express their views or speak on their behalf if they feel unable to.
- Resolving issues: If a child is unhappy with an aspect of their care, an advocate can help them raise the issue and find a resolution.
Dave’s experience as a foster carer gives him a unique insight into the daily realities and challenges faced by children in care. This firsthand knowledge will make him an incredibly effective and empathetic advocate. His commitment to personal development shows that he is not just taking on a job, but embracing a mission to become an even better support for the children he cares for.
Jo Montier: A Consistent Friend and Mentor
We are also immensely proud of Jo Montier, who has been making a significant difference as an independent visitor for the Young Lives Foundation since 2022. An independent visitor is a volunteer who befriends and supports a child or young person in care, acting as a consistent, positive adult figure in their life.
Jo beautifully describes her role and its impact:
“I support young people in care who are dealing with changes in placements, social workers, or family circumstances. During these times, I stay consistent and reliable, taking a long-term interest in their lives and helping them with whatever they need. I aim to build their self-esteem and confidence, encourage them to try new things, and help them develop lasting skills. It’s heartwarming to watch them grow and thrive, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey.”
Jo’s work highlights a critical need within the care system: the need for stability.
The Importance of an Independent Visitor
Children in care can experience frequent changes, from moving between foster placements to having different social workers. While everyone involved is working in the child's best interest, this lack of consistency can be unsettling. An independent visitor provides a stable, long-term relationship that is separate from the professional network around the child.
Independent visitors like Jo make a difference by:
- Being a reliable presence: They are a constant in a child's life, someone who is there just for them, not as part of a formal care plan.
- Building trust and self-esteem: Through shared activities and conversations, they help children build confidence and feel valued.
- Expanding horizons: They encourage young people to try new hobbies and experiences, helping them discover talents and interests they never knew they had.
Jo’s dedication to this role is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most profound support comes from simply being a consistent, caring friend. The long-term interest she takes in the lives of young people helps them build the skills and self-worth needed to navigate life’s challenges long after they leave care.
A Community of Changemakers
The work that Dave and Jo are doing with the Young Lives Foundation perfectly complements their roles as foster carers. Their commitment to supporting young people in multiple capacities shows a deep understanding of what it takes to help a child heal, grow, and thrive. They are not just providing care; they are actively working to empower children and ensure their voices shape their own futures.
Their stories are a powerful example of the calibre and character of the individuals within the Lighthouse Fostering family. Our foster carers are more than just providers of a home; they are mentors, advocates, friends, and champions for children. They continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow, not just for themselves, but for the benefit of the young people they support.
We are honoured to have Dave and Jo as part of our community. Their dedication inspires all of us to look for new ways to support young people and to listen more closely to their needs and wishes. They remind us that making a difference is not confined to a single role but is a mindset that can be applied in all areas of life.
Please join us in extending a huge congratulations to Dave Springett and Jo Montier for their incredible work. Their passion and commitment are helping to