Jamie Speaks Out To Inspire Others In Care
A Rhondda teenager who grew up in care is now an advocate for looked-after children and has sent words of encouragement and inspiration to those who are in the position he once was.
Jamie Ward Davies, 18, is keen to let children in care know that their experiences to date do not define them and that they, with the support of their foster carers and friends, can achieve the impossible.
Jamie, who now lives independently in Tylorstown, was just one when he was taken into care and has lived with a number of Fostering RCT carers, including two who he is so close to, they are his god-parents.
He has recently graduated from college with A levels in Law and Politics and has just completed a summer school at the University of South Wales, which was organised in partnership with Voices From Care, a national independent organisation formed to represent looked-after children.
Jamie has been heavily involved in Voices from Care for the last six months and is a main contributor. He supports younger members who are still in care, contributes to newsletters and lobbying activity and more. His work with Voices builds on interests he started when he was younger and was an ambassador for a care home and worked on a safeguarding panel to protect other young people.
Jamie said: “I want to share my story so it can help others who are currently in care. When I look back on how much I have achieved so far, I never thought it was possible.
“But now I know that you can achieve anything, even the impossible and I want to tell children in care in Rhondda Cynon Taf that they matter, they are someone and being fostered does not define who they are.
“That label needs to go. Children in care matter, we are remarkable, we do matter and we can achieve whatever we want to achieve.”
Jamie, who has a keen interest in politics, has lived in both foster homes and children’s homes and says each placement has given him experience and knowledge, helping him to build his confidence.
His former foster carers Pam and Rob Dorrington of Maerdy, who are still providing care for looked-after children to this day, have a special place in his life and he remains in touch with them. When he decided to get christened last year, Rob and Pam agreed to be his godparents.
The key focus of Jamie’s life at the moment is his commitment to Voices from Care and the close, supportive friendships he has formed there – with other looked-after young people and the staff
He explained: “I have only been with Voices for six months, but it has changed my life. The staff, and I don’t like to call them staff as they are more than that, are so supportive and always check up on me and show an interest in what I am doing.
“The friends I have made there are some of the best friends of my life and, while a lot of the work we do is serious, there is a social element which I really enjoy. People may think it is strange I have formed such close bonds with people I have known for such a short time in my life but if my experiences have taught me anything, it is that family is not blood and that you should surround yourself with people who care and make you feel better – that is family.”
Jamie said that it is now, as he gets used to living on his own, that he realised just how much his foster carers did for him.
He said: “You appreciate that bond and the fact they chose to be your parents. The relationship between carer and child is so important.
“Becoming a foster carer is so rewarding. You give children a second chance to be loved and cared for, a chance to show them they matter.
“When you see a child who has been in your care become successful, it makes you proud. You look at them and know you helped them achieve that and, without you, they could have been in a very different place. Rob and Pam are very proud of me and they helped make those changes for me.
Pam Dorrington, who cared for Jamie with her husband Rob and is still a Fostering RCT carer now, said: “We are very proud of Jamie and what he has achieved. He has worked hard and it was an honour to join him on his christening and be his godparents. We remain in touch and are here for him always.”
Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Equality and the Welsh Language, said: “We hear a lot from the Fostering RCT carers about how important their role is and I am thrilled Jamie has shared his story in order to change perceptions of looked-after children and help others who are in the same position as he once was.
“There are misconceptions about children in care, who they are and what they can achieve. I think Jamie has set the record straight that just because a child is not able to live with their birth family, does not mean they have lost the right to have a childhood, to be raised and be helped to achieve great things.
“That is where our foster carers come in. I know Jamie has been cared for by a number of them and what strikes me the most about this incredible young man is that he is so open-hearted and committed to what he believes is right. His experiences in care have made him who he is and I am sure he will continue to go onto great things.
“His achievements so far are testament to his commitment and hard work and the support of his foster parents and peers at Voices from Care”.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
