I am a 58 year old care experienced / adult care leaver and motivator.At the age of 8½ years old after the break-up of my family, myself and my brothers and sister were placed in residential care and ultimately foster homes, I moved on to independence at the age of 17.In 2002, with a mind to put my childhood experiences to some use, I became a fostering panel member. Now, and over 20 years on, I continue to sit for panels as an independent member and advise in my capacity as an adult care leaver / care experienced child.I have also undertaken sessional, outreach and mentoring work for young people in care, as part of my involvement with fostering.I began to learn Web and graphic design in 1999 and from November 2013 to 2016, I was the 'Web and Digital Communications Officer' for the Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs. This role involved much interaction with young people of all secondary ages and I was also called upon occasionally, for mentoring (for looked after children also, once they discovered my background!) and class support for media studies. I held the post for three years until an academy re-structure forced redundancy. My main focus now is on my fostering panel work, which I am very passionate about and other activities in this sector.From 2000 to 2012, I was employed on a part time basis by the Kent County Council as a sports instructor / teacher at a Kent primary school. I am patient, friendly and have an outgoing nature. I am always eager to learn and have a solid work ethic coupled with a positive outlook on life and will always try and help somebody in need.In my spare time I love to cycle, walk, listen to music & audio books and travel (whenever possible) as well as socialise with my lovely circle of family and friends.I am interested in geography and history.I have been playing guitar since I was 15, I sing, write and record my own music and do the odd acoustic gig!I am a father to three grown up children and have two grandchildren.