Welcome to Our April edition of the Fostering South West Newsletter
Spring is finally here, and it’s lovely to see lighter evenings, brighter days, and those first signs of new beginnings popping up everywhere. With Easter just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time for fresh starts, little moments of joy, and making memories with the children and young people we support.
As always, we want to say a huge thank you to all our amazing foster carers and their families for everything you do – your warmth, patience, and care make such a difference. We’ve got plenty to share this month, so grab a cuppa and enjoy what’s coming up across our fostering community.
Goodbyes can be both emotional and incredibly rewarding.
Foster carer, Sarah reflects on the joy, pride, and privilege behind every farewell.
Sometimes people worry about how it will feel to say goodbye when a child or young person moves on. In this video, Sarah shares that although it can be one of the hardest parts of fostering, it can also be one of the happiest. She talks about the huge privilege of being part of a young person’s journey – whether that’s creating a new family through adoption or helping to rebuild and restore a family that has been through difficult times.
These moments remind us just how meaningful the role of a foster carer truly is, and for anyone thinking about fostering, they show just how powerful and rewarding the experience can be.
When You Foster Locally, You Help Children Stay Close to Home.
Fostering with your local council comes with so many benefits, all designed to make sure you feel supported, confident, and part of something meaningful. You’ll receive local training and tailored support, backed by a not‑for‑profit service that is centred around the child.
Being part of your local fostering community means you’re never far from help, advice, or friendly faces who truly understand the journey. Carers also receive competitive allowances and fees, along with the flexibility to choose the type of fostering that suits your family and lifestyle.
Most importantly, by fostering through your council, you help local children stay in their own communities, close to their schools, friends, and everything familiar – giving them the best chance to thrive.
Practical Tips for Everyday Fostering.
Being a foster carer is incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with challenges, so here are a few simple tips that can make day‑to‑day life a little easier.
Try to keep routines predictable, as this helps children feel safe and grounded. Build in small moments of connection – a shared snack, a chat on the school run, or a calm bedtime routine can go a long way. Don’t forget to reach out for support when you need it; your supervising social worker, local support groups, and fellow carers are there to help.
Most importantly, remember to look after yourself too. Taking breaks, staying connected with friends and family, and giving yourself space to recharge aren’t just good for you – they help you be the steady, nurturing adult a child can rely on.
“Do You Remember When…?”
Where small moments become lifelong memories…
Our latest recruitment campaign, ‘Do You Remember When…?’ aims to celebrate the power of the small moments in our everyday lives which have a lasting impact.
We all have those tiny childhood memories that somehow stayed with us – the small, everyday moments that made us feel safe, valued, and cared for. Perhaps someone saved you the last biscuit because they knew it was your favourite. Maybe you were swept up into comforting arms after a bad dream. Or you might remember the pride you felt when your artwork was stuck on the fridge like it belonged in a gallery. At the time, these moments didn’t feel extraordinary. Yet looking back, they helped shape who we became. They taught us we mattered. They showed us that someone cared.
Unfortunately, not every child grows up with these “Do you remember when…” stories. That’s why foster carers are so vital. Through simple, everyday acts of kindness and reassurance, they help children feel secure, supported, and truly seen. Could you help create a lasting memory?
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