Welcome to the December edition of our local council fostering newsletter!

As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion shown by our fostering community. December is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, and we are so proud of the difference our fostering community is making every single day in the lives of children and young people whether you are a currently foster carer or are still exploring if it is right for you.

Thank you for being part of our fostering family – your commitment truly changes lives. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to 2026!

Every Journey is Unique. Every Reason Matters

Every foster carer has a unique story and their own reasons for starting the journey. Some are inspired by personal experiences, others by a desire to give back but what truly matters is the shared commitment to open their hearts and make a difference in the lives of children in care.

In this video, Linda shares her powerful story about why she chose to become a foster carer and how that decision has changed lives. Her journey is a reminder that fostering can have a lasting impact on children in care, providing them stability and love in times of crisis. It isn’t about being perfect- it’s about being willing to care.

We are always here to chat if you are motivated to foster and are wondering if it is right for you.

Introducing our December Campaign: The Greatest Gift

This December, our recruitment awareness campaign reminds us that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped in paper or placed under a tree – they’re the love, hope, and stability that foster carers provide every single day. While the festive season is often associated with presents and celebrations, for many children in care, the most meaningful gift is a safe, nurturing home where they feel valued and supported.

Becoming a foster carer offers a child the chance to experience security, belonging, and the warmth of family. These are gifts that last far beyond the holidays! Could you give a child the greatest gift of all this Christmas? By opening your heart and home, you can help transform a young person’s future and make this season truly magical.

The image is a festive promotional graphic for Fostering South West. It features a circular ornament design on the left side with two children holding a glittery gold gift box wrapped with a bright red ribbon. The background is a deep navy blue with scattered white dots resembling snowflakes, adding a seasonal feel.
On the right side, the text reads:

LOVE
Some gifts can’t be bought
Could you give a child the greatest gift of all?
Your gateway to local council fostering

The Fostering South West logo appears at the top, decorated with a small Santa hat and snowflake accents, reinforcing the Christmas theme. The overall design conveys warmth, care, and the message that fostering provides invaluable gifts beyond material presents.
The image shows a group of five people standing on a stage at an awards event. They are dressed in formal evening attire, with three individuals wearing elegant black dresses and one in a deep red gown, while another is in a dark suit. The backdrop features the text “IHR Awards” in large, colorful letters, along with the sponsor logo “Zinc” displayed prominently beneath it. The stage is lit with bright spotlights and has a sleek black floor with a row of red lights along the front edge, creating a celebratory and professional atmosphere. One person in the centre is holding an award, indicating a moment of recognition and achievement.

More Good News: We’re Award-Winning Again!

We are delighted to announce that we have won the Recruitment Marketing Campaign Award at the 2025 In- House Recruitment Awards!

Our communications team is committed to showcasing the real impact foster carers have on the lives of children and young people. We’re incredibly grateful to every foster carer who works with us to share their experiences, your stories help us shine a light on the remarkable work happening within our fostering community.

Through our social media platforms, we aim to champion genuine voices, challenge misconceptions, and demonstrate the life-changing difference fostering can make. By sharing heartfelt, personal journeys, we hope to inspire more people to consider fostering with their local council and join us in creating brighter futures for children in care.

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and follows our content on the socials.

Sneak Peek: The Campaign That Puts Children’s Voices First

We’re excited to give you a sneak peek into a heartfelt project we’ve been working on behind the scenes.

‘What I need most’ is a campaign that shines a light on the voices of children in care, sharing their honest reflections about what truly matters to them. It’s not about gifts or grand gestures – it’s about feeling safe, loved, and understood.

Through powerful stories and visuals, we aim to raise awareness of the real needs of young people and inspire more people to consider fostering. Stay tuned as we unveil this meaningful initiative in the new year, designed to spark conversations and create lasting change.

The image is a promotional graphic for Fostering South West. It shows three children lying on a patterned blanket outdoors, dressed in casual summer clothing. The left side of the image features the Fostering South West logo, while the right side contains a semi-transparent overlay with text that reads:

“I need someone who … can see past my silence and hear my heart.”
Below this, in orange text: “Could you be their someone?”

The design uses soft, warm tones and a heartfelt message to emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting children in care. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and the need for compassionate foster carers who can provide emotional connection and stability.
The image is a promotional graphic for Fostering South West, highlighting a podcast or video discussion about Mood Bears. It shows a computer monitor on a desk with a video call in progress. On the screen, a person is holding a bright yellow Mood Bear, which is a plush toy designed to help children express emotions and build resilience. In the foreground, there is a microphone positioned for recording, suggesting a podcast or interview setup. To the left, a decorative plant adds a touch of color to the scene.
Text on the image reads:
“Mood Bears: Expressing Emotions, Supporting Foster Children”
The overall design conveys a warm, supportive atmosphere and emphasizes the role of Mood Bears in promoting emotional wellbeing for foster children.

Mood Bears: Expressing Emotions, Supporting Foster Children.

Learn more in our latest podcast episode…

In this month’s Fostering South West Podcast, we sit down with Jo, the founder of Mood Bears – the vibrant, cuddly companions designed to help children express emotions and build resilience.

Jo shares the inspiring story behind Mood Bears, how each bear represents a different mood, and why they’re so much more than toys. Discover how these comforting companions are supporting children across the UK in schools, hospitals, and now in care, and learn about Jo’s vision to ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and cared for.

This uplifting episode is a must-listen for foster carers, parents, teachers, and anyone passionate about emotional wellbeing.

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