Fostering South West has launched to attract urgently needed local council foster carers across the south west of England, as well as announcing a first of its kind partnership with Mood Bears.
To answer this urgent call for more foster carers, families across the south west that are considering fostering with their local authority will now be supported by a regional hub. Launched in April, Fostering South West is a new virtual fostering hub bringing together the expertise of 14 councils from across the region.
The hub will act as a first point of contact for those interested in fostering giving them a centralised platform for enquiries, ensuring they receive the best support right from the start of their fostering journey, helping them make an informed choice about how fostering could work for them. The scheme seeks to help recruit carers from a range of different backgrounds and circumstances in the region. By fostering collaboration among local councils, the hub aims to streamline the process and offer comprehensive assistance to prospective foster carers every step of the way.
Hosted by Wiltshire Council, the Hub is funded by the Department for Education. Fostering South West is geographically the largest of nine regions taking part in the programme.
Fostering South West are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Mood Bears, a beloved part of the Tomy brand. This collaboration brings together two organisations dedicated to creating positive futures for children. Fostering South West’s ethos of collaboration and nurturing aligns seamlessly with Mood Bears’ mission to promote wellbeing and positive mental health for children. With their toys specifically designed to help individuals express their feelings and support mental health and wellbeing in young people. This partnership will support fostering across the region, providing foster carers with unique access to a range of resources and support, ensuring that every child in our care can thrive in a loving and stable environment.
Minister for Children & Families, Janet Daby said: “Foster carers are a precious part of the children’s social care system – welcoming children into their families and providing a safe home for them to flourish.
“With a growing number of children going into care, we know that we urgently need to recruit more foster carers and this will be at the heart of our thinking as we re-focus the system to provide earlier support and greater stability for children.
“It’s fantastic to see the launch of Fostering South West and the hub will be a valuable touchpoint for carers throughout their fostering recruitment journey, offering valuable support, guidance and training.”
Councillor Simon Johnson, cabinet member with responsibility for children and young people at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Fostering South West is an exciting collaboration of local authorities who are working together with a common goal of recruiting more foster carers and providing looked after children in the region with the best possible start in life.
“The partnership will allow us to share best practice to encourage those who have the attributes to become fantastic foster carers to step forwards and help children in care to reach their full potential. Working as a foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council via Fostering South West means that you can make a positive difference to the lives of children with a service that is dedicated to caring for them in their time of need.”
Carrie Worth, Fostering South West Team Manager, said “Fostering South West is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the region to work together, share their knowledge and expertise and work collectively to create more safe and loving homes for children and young people in the care of their local authority.
“The hub will provide a central point for people to learn and enquire about fostering and to receive support throughout their journey to becoming a foster carer.
“We are proud to be working with Mood Bears, supporting foster carers in building emotional wellbeing for children.
“I would urge anyone interested in fostering to contact the hub to learn more about how we can support them in their new journey.”
Joanna the founder of Mood Bears said “at Mood Bears, we share this commitment to supporting children’s emotional well-being, making this partnership with Fostering South West a natural fit. Together, we aim to create environments where children feel safe, understood, and supported throughout their foster care journey.”
Local authority foster carers receive extensive local training, substantial financial support, and continuous assistance from a dedicated non-profit organisation. With this community focus, it also benefits the children, as it helps keeps children local, allowing them to continue to live in the community they know, with as little change as possible.
More information on becoming a local council foster carer can be found on Fostering South West’s website, www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org, or speak directly to a member of the recruitment team via 0300 456 0120, or info@fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
