Welcome to the October edition of our local council fostering newsletter!
As the nights draw in and Autumn settles around us, it’s a great time to grab a hot drink, sit down and catch up on what is happening within our fostering community.
This month, we’ve got some lovely updates to share- from heart warming stories and ways you can stay connected and supported to sharing more about our next big awareness campaign.
So, whether you’re a foster carer, part of our team, or simply interested in fostering, we hope you find something here that inspires you. As always we thank you for your continued support.
Stronger Together: The Power of Fostering as a Family
Fostering is a journey that involves the whole family, and from 13th-19th October, we’re proud to join the national celebration of Children of Foster Carers’ Week, recognising the incredible role birth children play in fostering households. Look out on our social media channels across this week for powerful stories, tips and more on this topic.
Listen to Rhian, a foster carer from Gloucestershire County Council talk about how involving her children in the fostering journey has been deeply rewarding- not just for the children they care for, but for her own family too. Rhian’s children have grown through the experience, learning empathy, resilience, and the value of helping others. It’s been a journey of love, learning, and togetherness for everyone involved.
Introducing Our New Campaign…
Fostering Together, Celebrating Families, Inspiring Futures
We’re excited to introduce our new awareness campaign. This campaign highlights the many voices and experiences that make fostering so powerful – from birth children who welcome foster siblings with love, to carers who bring cultural richness to their homes, and care leavers who inspire us with their strength.
Each strand of the campaign reminds us that fostering is a shared journey, shaped by connection, compassion, and community.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the support available in fostering, wanted to learn more about its positive impact on children’s lives, or are curious about how you can help inspire brighter futures- we’ll be sharing powerful stories and practical insights across the next two months as part of this exciting campaign. Be sure to follow along on our socials!
Black History Month: Celebrating Culture and Identity in Fostering
October is Black History Month in the UK – a time to celebrate the rich contributions of black individuals and communities throughout history. In fostering, it’s also a chance to reflect on the importance of cultural identity and representation for children in care. By recognising and valuing diverse backgrounds, we help children feel seen, respected, and empowered.
Foster carers play a vital role in supporting children’s cultural identity. Simple actions like sharing traditional foods, music, and stories, celebrating cultural festivals, and providing diverse books and toys can help children feel proud of their heritage. Learning about a child’s background and encouraging connections with their birth family and community, where appropriate, also helps build trust and a strong sense of belonging.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we’ll be sharing stories, tips, and resources all month long on our socials – so don’t forget to check them out.
Shaping My Future: A Young Care Leaver’s Honest Account
Learn more in our latest podcast episode…
In this powerful and uplifting episode, Emily bravely opens up about her journey growing up in foster care, sharing the challenges she faced and the life-changing impact her foster carers, Pete and Lynn had on her. She describes the moment she realised they were her “good dinosaurs”- her safe place in a world that often felt uncertain and how their unwavering support helped her find stability, belonging, and hope.
Emily’s story is one of remarkable resilience, warmth, and transformation. She reflects on the small, everyday gestures that made her feel truly at home, from shared laughter around the dinner table to the reassurance of knowing someone was always in her corner. Through her honest and heartfelt account, Emily shines a light on the difference that compassionate foster carers can make in a young person’s life.
Emily also shares thoughtful advice for anyone considering becoming a local council foster carer, offering practical tips and encouragement drawn from her own experiences.
Keep in touch with us
Don’t miss out on our fresh content across our social media channels! Follow them via the buttons below.