Posted on Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Ann Ager (L), with Fostering Recruitment Officer Emma Howitt, finds fostering "incredibly rewarding."
Watch Ann tell her story and learn more about fostering
in this video.
A woman who visited her local coffee shop for a hot drink left instead with a life-changing new career as a foster carer.
Ann Ager, from Stafford, met staff from the county council’s fostering service at Costa Coffee at Queens Retail Park in July 2024. Following a brief chat with the team, a home visit and a full fostering assessment, Ann was approved as a foster carer in just a few months.
Reflecting on her story and the chance encounter, Ann wants to share her story to encourage others to join her as a foster carer.
She said:
“The last thing I was expecting when I walked into that Costa was to start a new chapter in my life. Now, I cannot imagine my life any other way.
“I’d always thought about fostering but the time had never quite been right. The team were fantastic during every step of the process, the training and support is there to help you care for the children and you are not on your own. I’ve also found support from my fellow foster carers who I met during the initial training. We meet up regularly and support each other, too.
“Being a foster carer has its challenges but is incredibly rewarding and I’d urge others thinking about it to sign up”.
Staffordshire County Council are looking to recruit 60 new foster families this year and have arranged a series of information events where potential carers can speak to the team and find out more.
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Ann’s journey to becoming a foster carer is pretty amazing but we’re glad she did it.
“Our foster carers play a vital role in helping children in our care thrive, creating lasting bonds with the children they support and those relationships make an enormous difference.
“We’re always on the lookout for new foster carers and there are many different types and ways of getting involved. From short-term to long-term care, to resilience fostering for children leaving residential homes and supported lodgings, there is something to suit most people’s circumstances.
“Our team are always on hand to guide you through the different options and help you find what works best for you and your family.”
Information events are running at Costa Coffee Queens Retail Park on Thursday 23 October from 10am until 12pm and online on Wednesday 22 October at 6pm.
People can find out more about fostering with the county council on the fostering service’s website and sign up for the online information sessions here.