Brighton woman who lost mother set up charity to help other foster children in care

At the age of 14, Gemma Creamer needed a foster home after the death of her mother and her relationship with her father broke down.

Foster carers Shelley and Nicholas took her into their family home in Brighton – initially for an emergency two week stay, which turned into a four year placement.

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Gemma said the kindness of her foster carers has transformed her life, inspiring her to encourage others to follow suit and offer their home to vulnerable children in need.

“What started as a two week respite break turned into a four year foster placement. As soon as I stepped in their front door I immediately felt this was where I was meant to be,” she said.

“My foster mum and dad have given me the safe, loving home and stability I was craving. They’ve also believed in me – and that support has helped put me on a path to a future that wouldn’t have been otherwise possible.”

Gemma Creamer speaking at the Federation of Awarding Bodies annual conference

At 17, Gemma helped set up Beyond – a charity which helps young people leaving care to access support.

She continues to play a prominent role in the charity, and is now at university in London studying to be a barrister.

The 19-year-old says she hopes her sharing her story will inspire others in Brighton and Hove to open their homes to fostering.

“Shelley and Nicholas are my family and that will never change. I talk to Shelley every day. We are so close,” she said.

“Shelley filled a void in my life, and while you can’t replace a mum, which she’s never tried to, she gave me the unconditional love and support that a mum would, and that was all I was after.

“The truth is, we all just need someone to care, even if it were just one person. That one person could change your life.

“I would encourage anyone considering fostering to give it a try. There may be a child or young person out there who needs you, and you could save their life.”

Gemma Creamer, centre, with foster mum Shelley, left, and Shelley's sister Antoinette

Brighton and Hove City Council fostering recruitment manager Cathy Seiderer said the city is in “urgent” need for more people to consider fostering, especially teenagers.

“Gemma’s story demonstrates the incredible difference that fostering can make to a teenager’s life, and it’s a story echoed by many of the young people we work with who were fostered as a teenager. Our foster carers tell us how fulfilling the experience can be for them too,” she said.

“We carefully match children and teenagers with carers and, as a local authority-run service, offer our foster carers full training and continuous support.

"We welcome everyone who can make a positive difference to a child or teenager’s life. By joining us you’ll be part of a close and supportive foster care community.”

Gemma Creamer, right, and foster mum, Shelley

Brighton and Hove Fostering Service has more than 160 fostering households in its council-run fostering community.

Foster carers receive a competitive weekly allowance.

If you’re interested in fostering, visit the Brighton and Hove Fostering Service website to find out more.