Former foster child urges families to open homes to those in need

A young man who spent much of his childhood in foster care is urging more families across North Yorkshire to open their homes to children in need.

Ashley Smith, 23, lived in foster care for 13 years from the age of eight, moving between three different families before finding long-term stability.

Despite what he describes as a “rough start”, Ashley says the care and support he received helped shape the person he is today.

Now living in York, he is studying children, young people and society at university and hopes to become a social worker, inspired by those who supported him growing up.

Ashley, who worked from the age of 16 and completed an apprenticeship with North Yorkshire Council, said he considers himself “one of the lucky ones”.

He credits his final foster carers, Diane and Stuart Kelly from Harrogate, with providing the stable and loving home environment that made the biggest difference to his life.

“They offered a warm and loving home where I felt I belonged,” he said. “Feeling accepted and at home is what helps build trust.”

Ashley was supported throughout much of his journey by his twin brother Nathan, who lived with him for nine years. He is now calling for siblings in care to be kept together wherever possible.

He has also spoken about the challenges young people face when moving into new foster homes, particularly around feeling accepted.

“As a gay young person, it mattered to know whether carers would accept me for who I am,” he said.

Ashley now helps his former foster carers by looking after children in their care when they are away, acting as a connected carer, and says fostering can have a life-changing impact.

According to North Yorkshire Council, hundreds of children across the county are currently in care, and more foster families are urgently needed.

Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children and families, praised Ashley’s journey, describing it as “truly inspiring”.

Ashley added: “Not every child is the same. Carers need to be willing to adjust and treat young people as part of the family. That makes all the difference.

“I would ask more local families to think about fostering and offering a safe and loving home to a child who needs one.”