Carmen and Nick Gould became carers under the Department of Justice and Communities four years ago and in that time have welcomed 28 children into their home. Most of these children have arrived via emergency placements and the length of time that they remain in care varies from a few days to longer periods of 3-6 months. This incredible family is made up not only of Carmen and Nick, but also their four biological boys, as well as two other children who they are currently caring for long-term.
Something that makes Carmen and Nick absolute heroes in our community is the importance they place on fostering strong relationships with the children in care and also with the families that they come from. In Carmen’s words, “there are many reasons kids enter care, but we are yet to meet kids whose parents didn’t love and adore them”.
Carmen is currently in the process of setting up a community project under the CWA called ‘The Carer’s Cupboard’ after recognising a lack of services in our area that offer assistance to children arriving into care with minimal belongings. Through this project she hopes to provide children with essential supplies including new clothes, toiletries and school supplies.
In Carmen’s words “we don’t feel like we are doing anything special. We just feel like we are doing what we were meant to do” and although modest, the true selflessness and incredible love and support that this family has provided to children in need is extraordinary.
