Sweet Success for Local Foster Family
Foster parent Simon Bleach is helping his 13-year-old foster son Reese* build more than just a sweet shop – he’s building confidence, life skills, and a brighter future.
Simon has recently become a foster carer through local charity Step by Step, which supports young people at risk of homelessness across Hampshire and beyond. He previously spent several years as a Supported Lodgings host and was inspired to foster when the charity launched its own fostering agency.
Simon and Reese recently opened a traditional sweet shop on Whitchurch High Street, and the community turned out in force to show their support. The launch day was an incredible success, with queues out the door and one attendee commenting: “It was wonderful to see the community support the grand opening, the young lad was so friendly and polite.”
The idea behind the shop came from Simon’s own childhood. When he was Reese’s age, his mum set up a business for him selling garden plants, and he wanted to carry the tradition on. Simon found that being responsible for a business at a young age set him up with skills that have helped him to succeed in life, having successfully run several businesses as an adult.
Currently homeschooled, Reese now splits his time between studies and the shop. Simon finds the sweet business gives him something fun to do in the day when he’s not busy with schoolwork. Even though it’s still early days, Simon says the venture is already helping to boost Reese’s confidence, independence and self-esteem.
