Welcome to Our February Newsletter
Welcome to the February edition of the Fostering South West newsletter. As we move through the winter months, we want to take a moment to thank our incredible foster carers, partners, and supporters for the commitment, compassion, and stability you continue to provide to children and young people across our region.
This edition brings together news, stories, and opportunities from across the region, along with practical information and ways to stay involved. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, this could be the right time to explore what’s involved and start your fostering journey with us this February.
Thank you for being part of our fostering family and for the difference you make every single day. Whether you are a foster carer, are considering fostering in the future, or simply enjoy keeping up with what’s happening within our community, we truly appreciate you. Happy reading!
A Love That Turns Care into Family
Kati shares how fostering has created bonds that will last forever
Welcoming a child into your family who isn’t biologically yours is a powerful and deeply emotional experience. It’s not something that can be fully explained until you live it. At first, there may be uncertainty-questions about how the relationship will grow, what the future will look like, and how everyone will adjust. But over time, something remarkable happens. Love grows quietly and naturally, built through everyday moments, shared routines, laughter, challenges, and trust.
In the video, Kati shares that welcoming someone into your family who isn’t biologically yours can still bring an overwhelming amount of love. She describes feeling incredibly lucky and privileged to have foster children in her life, knowing that this bond will remain forever.
Fostering South West achieves national awards hat‑trick delivering major regional impact.
FSW is celebrating after securing its third national award, winning the Integrated Campaign Award at the 2026 RAD Awards in partnership with Penna.
This latest win marks a fantastic end to an exceptional awards season for Fostering South West. Judges praised the campaign as “moving, backed up by phenomenal statistics,” recognising both its creativity and impact.
Our sincere thanks go to fostering teams across all 15 South West local authorities, to Penna for their creative partnership, and – most importantly – to our foster carers. Your compassion and commitment make everything we do possible.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive – could you be their someone?
Our What I Need Most campaign continues to gain momentum, sharing the voices of children and young people and what truly matters to them – love, belonging, encouragement, and someone who listens.
Through simple, everyday moments, fostering helps children feel safe, rebuild trust, and begin to imagine a future full of possibility. Our latest campaign invites you to see fostering through a child’s eyes and consider the difference you could make, because every child deserves more than just a safe home – they deserve the chance to thrive.
Every child has dreams. Could you be the one who helps them shine? Could you be their someone?
Small Actions, Strong Foundations | Supporting Children in Care
Building trust with a child in care doesn’t happen overnight but the small things you do every day can make a lasting difference.
Simple actions like keeping consistent routines, offering a calm and safe space, or listening without judgement help children feel secure, valued, and understood. Over time, these everyday moments build trust, confidence, and the strong foundations children need to thrive.
In this video, we share practical tips for foster carers and anyone supporting children in care, showing how small, consistent actions can create big, positive change in a child’s life. Whether you’re an experienced foster carer, new to fostering, or considering fostering in the future, this video offers gentle guidance and encouragement to help every moment count.
Fostering with Heart: Wes’ Story
Learn more in our latest podcast episode…
In our latest podcast episode, Wes, a wonderful foster carer from South Gloucestershire Council opens up about what first drew him to fostering, and the amazing journey he’s been on since. From leading a Christmas lights switch‑on with Peter Andre, to travelling across Europe running Harry‑Potter‑themed potion workshops, Wes brings a wealth of unique experiences and big-hearted energy to every child he supports.
He also talks candidly about the vital role of local council support, how the compassion, guidance and practical help he’s received have shaped his fostering journey and empowered him to continue making a difference. Wes shares his hopes for the future too, including welcoming many more children into his home alongside his ongoing adoption journey.
Tune in and listen today- this is a conversation full of warmth, insight and love which will hopefully leave you feeling inspired!
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