IMPOWER’s Heroes of 2022: Richard Ayres, Foster Carer for Lincolnshire

Our final Heroes of 2022 goes to Richard Ayres, who has been a foster carer for over six years with Lincolnshire County Council. Richard was born in Market Harborough, grew up and worked in and around London, and has lived in Lincolnshire since 2015 with his four foster children and remains in close contact with those who he has cared for over the years.

Richard recently spoke in IMPOWER’s plenary session at the National Children’s and Adult Services Conference (NCASC), bringing to life the lived experience of being a foster carer. He spoke about the challenges, rewards and opportunities – and his passion came across so clearly, leaving everyone in the room inspired. One delegate even asked if Richard would be willing to move back down south to be a foster carer! Thank you Richard for inspiring us all, and for your willingness to share your journey.

Richard is a single carer and works full time in Adult Social Care as a Social Care Advisor to Care England – the largest representative body for residential care, supported living and homecare providers. Richard previously held a 25-year career in procurement, and chose to step down from leadership to live a more meaningful and purpose-filled life as a foster carer and working in Adult Social Care, taking inspiration from his mother who ran a children’s home in the 60s for Wandsworth Council. Richard is a qualified in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Coaching and spent several years volunteering in the Belmarsh Young Offenders Prison in London whilst living in Lincolnshire, helping those due for release to change their thinking and life choices. He strongly believes in a good education regardless of academic ability and believes every child deserves to reach their potential, regardless of their journey or life experiences.