After 15 years in a soulless corporate job, Travis walked away to become a foster carer — and never looked back. Over the past 11 years, he and his wife have fostered 16 teenage boys with extreme complex needs, transforming lives through an approach built on trust, authenticity, and seeing the world through each child's eyes.

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Travis shares how a chance encounter with his brother-in-law's foster children sparked a calling he didn't know he had. He discusses why awareness matters more than patience, how his own childhood shaped his ability to connect with traumatised teenagers, and the profound reward of watching young people who've lost their sense of identity learn to thrive. From setting boundaries and routine to navigating the teenage years with respect rather than authority, Travis offers hard-won wisdom for anyone considering fostering — and a powerful reminder that fostering doesn't just change the children. It changes you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Two women. Two generations. Two completely different experiences of the menopause.

In this episode, 79-year-old social worker and foster carer Christine shares her story of sailing through the menopause with little more than hot flushes and a sense of relief, while her daughter-in-law Charlotte recounts being hit by perimenopause "like a sledgehammer" at 46 - battling brain fog, hair loss, and debilitating symptoms that left her barely able to leave the house.

Their candid conversation explores how differently the menopause can affect each woman, how the conversation around it has changed over 30 years, and why Charlotte was inspired to found PauseLive! - the UK's largest women's health event, after her own struggle to find answers. From the dangers of "meno-washing" and misinformation to the importance of HRT, peer support, and simply being heard, this is an honest, warm, and sometimes funny look at navigating one of life's biggest transitions — and why no woman should have to go through it alone.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen is joined by Lisa from FosterTalk — a vital support service available to all National Fostering Group carers across England, Scotland, and Wales. Lisa breaks down the wide range of support on offer, from legal insurance and allegation support to 24-hour counseling, medical advice, tax assistance, and a discount portal with thousands of savings.

Together, they tackle some of the most daunting aspects of fostering, exploring why they happen, how FosterTalk's dedicated team guides carers through the process, and why having the right support can make all the difference in keeping carers in the role.

Lisa also shares her own remarkable journey, from 25 years as cabin crew to 12 years as a foster carer, and now supporting young people through supported lodgings. She reflects on the transferable skills, the challenges, and the profound reward of watching young lives transform.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

What happens when a Christmas radio ad tugs at your heartstrings while you're pregnant with your second child? For Natalie, it sparked a fostering journey that has welcomed eight or nine children into her home over the past five years — and she's not stopping anytime soon.

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Natalie sits down with Helen to share the raw, real, and deeply rewarding reality of life as a foster carer. From the terrifying first night when a child arrives and your mind won't stop racing, to the joy of watching a child try a new food for the first time, Natalie holds nothing back.

She opens up about fostering with very young birth children at home — and why it's been one of the best decisions she ever made for her family. She shares the heartwarming story of two children she fostered for 18 months who went on to adoption, and how she still sees them thriving today. She also speaks honestly about the harder endings: a teenager who left at sixteen, and a child who ran away and was never heard from again.

Through it all, Natalie's message is clear — you're never alone. With support groups, counselling, and a community that feels like family, fostering isn't just about changing a child's life. It's about joining something bigger than yourself.

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to foster, this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

What happens when someone who grew up in the care system decides to become a foster carer themselves? In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Kerry — a foster carer of nearly five years whose own experience in care fuels her passion for helping children today.

Kerry opens up about the fears that nearly stopped her from applying — worries about being single, renting her home, and whether her care background would count against her. She shares the reality of the assessment process, the nerves of panel day, and the moment her first child arrived on her doorstep just before Christmas. From toddlers to teenagers to her current placement with two "very sassy girls," Kerry's story is one of resilience, empathy, and breaking down the stereotypes of who can be a foster carer.

Whether you're considering fostering yourself or simply want to hear an inspiring story of turning personal hardship into a lifetime of care, this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Chelsey, a carer recruitment officer at Brighter Futures Foster Care, whose journey into fostering began at just 16 years old after a conversation with a neighbour. Chelsey shares her deeply personal experience of fostering a teenage boy and two young brothers — the joy, the chaos, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye when they moved on to adoption. 

She opens up about the power of empathy, the importance of meeting children exactly where they are, and how fostering transformed not only her life but her daughter's too. From a chance encounter at Disney World that inspired someone to begin their fostering journey, to her mission now of recruiting the next generation of carers, Chelsey's story is a testament to the life-changing impact of opening your home and your heart.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with Julie, a foster carer of nearly nine years, to talk about her family's journey into fostering. Julie shares what led her and her husband to explore fostering, what the assessment process was really like, and how they've built a settled, long-term family life with a sibling group of three children since 2019.

She opens up about the emotional side of fostering — including the powerful "relay race" analogy that helped her let go of guilt when those in their care move on — plus the importance of peer support, ongoing training, and looking after your own wellbeing as a carer. Julie also discusses permanency, involving her adult birth children as backup carers, and what's kept her family committed for nearly a decade.

Whether you're curious about fostering or just starting to explore it, Julie's honest, heartfelt insights show that you've got nothing to lose by making that first inquiry.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with Kathryn, a Supervising Social Worker at the National Fostering Group with an incredible 16 years of experience in the role.

Kathryn takes us through her remarkable career journey — from an unexpected turn away from teaching, to working as a house parent in children's units in the 1980s, to specializing in youth drug and alcohol services, and finally finding her calling in fostering support.

She shares candid, moving stories from her early days in residential care, the lessons that shaped her approach, and what it really means to support foster carers day to day.

The conversation also dives into parent-and-child fostering — a topic close to Kathryn's heart — exploring how foster families support parents (not just teenagers, but adults too) to build safe, healthy relationships with their children, and the training programs Kathryn helped pioneer that are still used today.

Whether you're considering becoming a foster carer or just want to understand the dedication behind the people who support fostering families, this episode offers a heartfelt, honest look at a career built on care.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Fiza returns to Voices of Fostering to share what's changed in the year since her last visit — and it's a lot. Now almost 12 years into her fostering journey, she opens up about caring for a young person through therapeutic parenting, including a powerful moment where she used a bit of creative storytelling (spiders, of all things) to help a child break an overwhelming cycle of tears.

Fiza also talks about the extended "family" she's built over the years — former foster children and their parents who stay in touch long after moving on, from wedding invitations to heartfelt messages of gratitude. She reflects on the hardest part of fostering (saying goodbye), her recent photoshoot with the National Fostering Group, and why she's such a passionate advocate for parent-and-child fostering placements.

If you've ever wondered what long-term fostering really looks like — the joy, the heartbreak, and everything in between — this conversation is not to be missed.

🎧 Listen now and discover how one foster family is changing lives, one child at a time.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Stephen, a retired father of two who found an unexpected calling in stay-over foster care. After spotting an advert in a charity shop window, Stephen went from browsing to becoming an approved foster carer in just six months — and hasn't looked back since.

Drawing on his own experience of being bereaved as a child and later raising his sons alone after losing his wife, Stephen shares how empathy shapes the way he welcomes every child into his home — from name plates and welcome books to matchday tickets at Turf Moor.

Now having cared for over 25 children in just two years through short stays and emergency placements, Stephen opens up about building trust quickly, fitting fostering around retirement, and why he's on call any time, any day.

A heartfelt conversation about resilience, flexibility, and the difference stay-over fostering can make.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Steve, who has been fostering alongside his wife for five years while working full-time at Transport for London. Steve shares how they balance a busy household of six children with hybrid working, what it was like welcoming their first placement during the pandemic lockdown, and the moments that make it all worthwhile — from unbridled Saturday morning fun to hearing relatives mistake foster siblings for blood family.

Steve opens up about the assessment process, staying open-minded about who you foster, building trust with children who've had very different life experiences, and why fostering isn't a 9-to-5 role but a lifestyle the whole family shares in.

If you've ever wondered whether you can foster while keeping your career, this honest and heartwarming conversation is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

What happens when fostering starts by accident — and ends up becoming your life's greatest calling?

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Barrie, a foster carer of over 11 years, who never planned to foster at all. What began as a chance job in a local authority fostering team quietly changed the course of his life — and the lives of countless children.

Barrie shares his journey with remarkable openness: navigating fostering as part of a same-sex couple, coming from a background of personal trauma, the panel experience, and the unforgettable moment a social worker first dropped off a nine-year-old.

In this conversation you'll hear about:
🎲 How Barrie accidentally found his way into fostering
🏡 What it really feels like to open your home — and your life — to a child
🤝 The power of feeling held through the assessment process
💍 How he's fostered through marriage, divorce, and everything in between
💛 The small moments that make the biggest difference

Whether you're a foster carer, considering fostering, or simply curious about what it takes — this episode is honest, warm, and impossible not to be moved by.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Suzanne — a foster carer who has just celebrated her one-year anniversary.

Inspired by her own mum's fostering journey, Suzanne left a 16-year career in retail management to pursue what she now calls her "calling." She opens up about:

• 🏠 What inspired her to become a foster carer
• 📋 The thorough (and sometimes nerve-wracking!) assessment and panel process
• 💡 How her perceptions of fostering changed in her first year
• ❤️ The reality of caring for children with difficult prior experiences
• 🤝 The power of community, training, and support through a fostering agency

Whether you're considering fostering or just curious about what life as a foster carer really looks like, Suzanne's honest and heartfelt story will inspire you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Dan — a single male foster carer who was only approved in January of this year.

Dan shares his honest and inspiring journey from a long-term career at a supermarket head office, through redundancy, a moment of clarity on a beach in Weston-super-Mare, and ultimately the decision to become a foster carer with National Fostering Group.

He opens up about:

💡 Why he decided to foster as a single man in his late 30s

📋 Navigating the thorough Form F assessment process

🧒 His first young person — a teenage boy with autism who lost his nan in January

🤝 The importance of building a strong support network

🔮 What the future might look like for him as a carer

Dan's story is proof that there's no single template for a foster carer. Whether you're single or in a couple, male or female, young or older — if you can provide a loving, stable home, fostering could be for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Simon — a foster carer of 11 years — to hear his remarkable story of turning personal experience into a life's purpose.

Simon opens up about growing up in a turbulent household and moving in with his aunt and uncle as a child, and how that experience inspired him to give back to children who need the same stability he once received. Alongside his husband, Simon has been fostering for over a decade — and the very first person in their care, a teenager who had been through 11 carers in 10 years, is still with them today.

In this episode, Simon shares:
🏠 What drew him and his husband to fostering as a same-sex couple
📋 How he found the assessment process and what to expect at panel
💪 The ups, downs, and resilience required on a long-term fostering journey
⚖️ How they balance fostering with maintaining their own careers
🤝 The importance of community, support groups, and stayover care
❤️ Why he believes fostering is his life's mission — and why he can't imagine stopping

Whether you're curious about fostering, just starting your journey, or already part of the fostering community, Simon's story is a powerful reminder that the right home can change a young person's life forever.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen is joined by Tammy — a foster carer who turned a COVID lockdown lightbulb moment into a life-changing decision for two young sisters.

Four years on, Tammy shares the honest, heartwarming story of how she and her husband Matthew went from considering adoption to welcoming two long-term foster children into their home. From the nerves of that very first night, to watching a once-mute nine-year-old blossom into a confident, football-playing teenager working towards her black belt in karate — this episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when children feel safe, loved, and seen.

In this episode, Tammy talks about:
🏡 Growing up with foster carer parents and what it taught her about compassion
🤝 Navigating the matching process and knowing when the fit feels right
🍕 The emotional reality of that first day — carrier bags, pizza, and tears held back
🌱 The incredible transformation she's witnessed in both girls over four years
💼 Why working full time is no barrier to fostering
💻 How one online event with the National Fostering Group started it all

💛 Whether you're curious about fostering or already on your journey, Tammy's story will leave you inspired.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

After losing her husband Keith to cancer, Annette found herself in a home that felt hollow — until she made one phone call that changed everything.

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Annette, a brand-new foster carer just three months into her journey. Annette shares how grief led her to fostering, what the assessment process was really like, and how welcoming a 14-year-old into her home has brought joy, laughter, and purpose back into her life.

In this episode:
💔 How Annette found fostering after bereavement
📋 What the assessment and Skills to Foster training involved
🌟 Life three months in — the highs, the challenges, and a holiday on the horizon
👨‍👩‍👧 How Annette's sister's experience as a Special Guardian inspired her
💬 Her message to anyone who feels lost and is considering fostering

Whether you're thinking about fostering or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to open your heart and your home — this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Joel - who took the leap into fostering with his husband Jake after 13 years together. Joel shares the honest, emotional, and inspiring story of their journey: from navigating the approval process and welcoming two emergency placements, to taking four children on their first-ever holiday abroad.

We talk about:
💛 What led Joel and his husband Jake to choose fostering over adoption or surrogacy
💙 What the assessment process is really like - and why it's less scary than you think
🌟 The highs of creating lifelong memories for children in care
💔 The heartbreak of a fostering journey ending — and how they got through it
❤️ Why Joel says fostering is "the best thing we ever did"

Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, a couple, or simply someone with love to give — this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

What happens when your fostering journey takes an unexpected turn?

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Scott — a foster carer with a story of an unexpected journey to tell.

Scott and his then-wife set out to foster a sibling group, got exactly what they hoped for, and were well on their way — until their marriage broke down. Rather than walk away, both chose to continue fostering as solo carers, putting the children's stability first and showing them what an amicable separation can look like.

Now a Stayover (respite) carer, Scott opens up about:

• Why he and his ex-wife chose to start fostering
• Navigating the approval process and what to really expect
• How they handled separation while keeping the children's wellbeing at the centre
• What stayover fostering is and how it fits around a busy, travel-heavy career
• Why he believes there's a type of fostering for everyone

Whether you're curious about fostering or somewhere along your own journey, Scott's story is a powerful reminder that fostering can fit into your life — whatever it looks like.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, experienced foster carers Travis and Marisol sit down with Tim Barclay, CEO of National Fostering Group, for an honest conversation about the realities of foster care—from both sides.

Discover how carer feedback shapes decisions at the highest level, why innovations like Magic Notes are transforming supervising social worker visits, and what it's like to advocate for children facing increasingly complex needs.

Travis and Marisol don't hold back—they share what's working, what's challenging, and why resilience and authenticity matter so much in fostering. Tim opens up about staying grounded, the importance of support groups, and how National Fostering Group is fighting for better resources from local authorities and other health services.

Key Topics:
✅ How carer feedback drives real change
✅ The game-changing Magic Notes innovation
✅ Supporting children with complex needs
✅ Navigating local authority challenges
✅ Why foster carer support groups matter
✅ What makes a great supervising social worker relationship
✅ The future of foster care support

Whether you're a foster carer, thinking about fostering, or work in the care sector, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how fostering agencies can truly put carers and children first.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Meet Carol and John, a remarkable foster care couple who've dedicated 15 years to transforming young lives—and at 75, they're still going strong.

After finding each other through shared dreams of fostering, this dynamic duo has welcomed dozens of children into their home. Carol, a retired nurse, brings empathy and structure, while John offers warmth and heart—the perfect balance for vulnerable young people.

In this episode, they share their greatest achievement: advocating for a pregnant 15-year-old when authorities planned to take her baby at birth. Their unwavering support helped her keep her son, who's now nearly six.

From full-time placements to providing crucial respite for over 20 children last year, Carol and John prove that fostering enriches lives at any age. Their advice? Just give it a try.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Meet Callum, a former police officer who made the leap from frontline policing to becoming a Supervised Family Center Manager at Heath Farm. In this episode of Voices of Fostering, he shares how his police experience—from conflict management to communication skills—translates perfectly into supporting children in care.

In this episode, you'll discover:
✅ Why blue light workers make excellent foster carers
✅ The transferable skills from emergency services to fostering
✅ Real challenges foster carers face (and how to handle them)
✅ The support systems available to new foster carers
✅ How becoming a father changed Callum's career perspective

Whether you're a serving police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or simply curious about fostering, this conversation reveals how your existing skills could make a real difference in a child's life.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Meet Casey, a Family Support Worker at the National Fostering Group who's walking the walk—not just talking it. From volunteering in Indian orphanages at 19 to adopting two boys and now supporting foster families daily, Casey brings lived experience to everything she does.

In this episode, Casey shares:
✨ Her unexpected journey from world traveler to adoptive parent
💪 How cold water swimming helps her stay strong for vulnerable youth
🎮 Creative ways to have difficult conversations through games
🏔️ Empowering programs like Jamie's Farm and Duke of Edinburgh
🌊 Why finding your outlet matters when supporting others

"You can't pour from an empty glass" isn't just a saying for Casey—it's a daily practice.

Thinking about fostering? Casey's advice: Don't rule yourself out. The skills can be learned, but the heart? That's what matters.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Meet Scott, a foster carer from Kent who has dedicated 20 years to transforming the lives of children with complex needs. Since 2005, Scott and his wife Haley have fostered 13 children, specializing in long-term placements for neurodiverse young people.

In this inspiring conversation, Scott shares:

✨ How fostering has evolved from 2005 to 2026, with therapeutic practices replacing outdated approaches
📚 The reality of raising foster children alongside his own family — and teaching for six GCSEs along the way
🎓 A powerful story of advocacy: helping a child move from special needs school to mainstream education, leading to a successful apprenticeship
💡 His biggest lesson: the power of patience and not rushing to judgment
🏃‍♂️ How running marathons worldwide (including all six major marathons) has enriched his fostering journey — even taking a foster son to Tokyo

Scott's message is clear: fostering is a lifestyle choice that requires kindness, patience, and a willingness to see beyond the labels that follow vulnerable children. The child you see today isn't always the one written down in reports.

If you're considering fostering or want to understand the profound impact it can have, this episode is a must-watch

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Erin, who shares her unique perspective on fostering as a sibling. At 20 years old, Erin opens up about what it was like when her mum became a foster carer and how welcoming an 11-year-old foster brother transformed their family dynamic.

Erin shares honest insights about the initial nerves, the approval process, and the beautiful moments that come with expanding your family through fostering. From cinema trips to welcoming six cats into the household, this conversation reveals how fostering doesn't just change one life—it enriches an entire family.

Whether you're considering fostering or simply curious about the experience, Erin's story offers an inspiring look at the meaningful impact fostering can have on everyone involved.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

When John heard a radio advert asking for foster carers on his drive home from work, he never imagined how much it would transform his life. After 40 years as a sheet metal worker and with three grown daughters who'd flown the nest, John and his wife Victoria decided to fill their empty home with love, laughter, and children who needed them most.

John's story proves that fostering isn't just about changing children's lives—it's about discovering purpose, building connections, and creating a bigger family than you ever imagined.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this eye-opening episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Victoria, a Senior Creative Care Solutions Practitioner who leads the Bridge to Foster program at National Fostering Group. With over 20 years of social work experience, Victoria is on a mission to help young people transition from residential homes into loving foster families.

Victoria breaks down common misconceptions about children in residential care and explains why many of them are only there due to a shortage of foster carers —not because of complex behaviors. She shares the profound impact of having consistent, loving adults who show up at every sports day, celebrate every milestone, and provide a place to call home even after turning 18.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, Mark shares his incredible 13-year journey as a foster carer—from an unexpected spiritual calling to the everyday moments that make it all worthwhile.

Mark's story is a powerful reminder that fostering isn't just about changing children's lives—it transforms foster carers too. From supporting kids through trauma to celebrating their successes as adults, Mark proves that love, advocacy, and a warm home can make all the difference.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Did you know that 97-99% of young people who do the Duke of Edinburgh's Award access it through school? But what about children in care who may move schools, change placements, or simply don't feel it's for them in a traditional setting?

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with John, who heads up DofE expeditions at National Fostering Group. With 30 years of experience in outdoor education, John shares how NFG's partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is creating life-changing opportunities for young people in foster care—and their foster families' birth children too.

Whether you're a foster carer, work with young people, or simply want to understand how programs like DofE can change lives, this conversation will inspire you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

What happens when someone who grew up in foster care decides to become a foster parent themselves? In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Louise, a Carer Recruitment Officer at National Fostering Group who knows firsthand the life-changing power of foster care.

Louise shares her remarkable story—from entering care as a teenager with her baby daughter to finding the loving foster family that transformed her life. Now, over a year into her own fostering journey, she's giving back by providing a safe, loving home while helping to bring in more foster carers.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for our latest episode of "Voices of Fostering" as we catch up with Susan, a dedicated foster carer with 18 years of experience. In this candid conversation, Susan shares her journey into fostering, the joys and challenges of short-term and respite care, and the meaningful connections she’s built with children and young people over the years.

Discover how Susan’s personal story led her to make a difference in the lives of so many, and hear her advice for anyone considering fostering. Whether you’re curious about the fostering process, looking for inspiration, or simply want to hear uplifting stories of resilience and hope, this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of "Voices of Fostering," Helen sits down with Mandy to explore her remarkable journey as a foster carer. Mandy shares how she found her calling later in life, the challenges and joys of fostering as a single carer, and the deep bonds she’s formed with the young people in her care.

Discover how Mandy navigated loss, embraced new beginnings, and created a loving home that extends beyond the age of 18 through the “Staying Put” scheme. Hear her insights on resilience, the importance of support networks, and why fostering is about so much more than just providing a place to stay.

If you’re considering fostering, supporting care leavers, or simply want to be inspired by a story of love and perseverance, this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for a heartfelt episode of "Voices of Fostering" as Helen sits down with Marisol, a dedicated foster mum, to discuss the transformative power of music, the challenges and joys of fostering, and the journey of building a family through love and resilience.

In this episode, Marisol shares how music has helped her bond with her foster son, the importance of self-care for foster carers, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Discover how fostering has brought new friendships, personal growth, and a sense of belonging to Marisol and her family.

Whether you’re considering fostering, already on the journey, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this conversation offers valuable insights and encouragement.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for a heartfelt episode of "Voices of Fostering" as we sit down with Natalie, a foster carer with over a decade of experience. Natalie opens up about the unique challenges and profound rewards of fostering, from welcoming sibling groups and teenagers into her home to navigating the ups and downs of placement changes and building lifelong bonds.

In this candid conversation, Natalie shares how fostering has shaped her family, the importance of flexibility and resilience, and the joy of witnessing children grow in confidence and independence. She discusses the realities of supporting children through trauma, the value of respite care, and the lasting impact a caring home can have—even when the journey isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re considering fostering, already on the journey, or simply curious about the lives of foster families, Natalie’s story is filled with honesty, hope, and inspiration.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Step into the heart of fostering with this inspiring episode of "Voices of Fostering." Meet Ann, a dedicated foster carer with over 20 years of experience and more than 90 children welcomed into her home. In this candid conversation, Ann shares how fostering became a family tradition, the joys and challenges of letting go, and the powerful impact fostering has had on her children and grandchildren.

You’ll hear how fostering can become a multi-generational legacy, the emotional journey of saying goodbye to children in care, and the importance of family, pets, and support networks in successful fostering. Ann’s real stories of resilience, love, and lifelong connections offer wisdom, warmth, and hope.

Whether you’re considering fostering, already on the journey, or simply curious about the lives of foster families, Ann’s story will inspire and inform.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of "Voices of Fostering," we welcome back David and Rachael, a remarkable couple who have opened their hearts and home to eight children—three birth children and five foster children. Join us as they share their journey into fostering, the joys and challenges of blending a large family, and the powerful impact fostering has had on their lives.

David and Rachael discuss the realities of the assessment process, the emotional experiences of welcoming children in need, and the importance of support from family and fostering agencies. They also reflect on the deep bonds formed, the happy reunions, and the bittersweet goodbyes that come with fostering.

If you’ve ever considered fostering or want to hear an inspiring story of compassion, resilience, and family, this episode is for you.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for a heartfelt episode of "Voices of Fostering" as we welcome back Serwari, a dedicated foster carer with over a decade of experience. In this candid conversation, Serwari shares her journey through the joys and challenges of fostering, the impact of personal loss, and the strength she finds in her community and faith.

Discover what it means to open your home and heart to children in need, the emotional stories of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and how support from family, friends, and fostering agencies makes all the difference.

Whether you’re considering fostering or simply want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and compassion, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Discover the creative journey of Robert and his husband David—foster carers, children’s book authors, and illustrators. In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen chats with Robert about how their experiences inspired them to write and illustrate children’s books that celebrate diversity, kindness, and the meaning of family. Learn about their creative process, the stories they tell, and why making their books accessible to all children is so important.

Whether you’re interested in fostering, children’s literature, or creative family projects, this episode is full of inspiration and heart.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering as Helen sits down with Robert, a dedicated foster carer, to discuss his inspiring journey in fostering. Robert shares how he and his husband began their fostering adventure, the challenges and joys they've experienced, and the importance of keeping an open mind when welcoming children into their home.

Discover insights into the assessment process, the realities of respite and long-term placements, and the incredible support provided by the National Fostering Group. Robert also talks about building a family, the impact of fostering on his life, and the special connections formed with the children in their care.

Whether you're considering becoming a foster carer or simply want to learn more about the fostering community, this episode offers valuable advice, touching stories, and encouragement for anyone interested in making a difference.

📚 Check out Robert’s children’s books and free audio stories at www.hummypress.co.uk

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us for this inspiring episode of Voices of Fostering as Helen sits down with Hazel, a dedicated Carer Recruitment Officer from National Fostering Group. Hazel shares her personal journey from working in travel to finding her calling in fostering, and offers invaluable insights into the assessment process, the different types of fostering (including parent and child placements), and the impact foster carers make in children's lives.

Whether you're considering fostering or simply want to learn more about the process, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone thinking about making a difference. Discover the support available, the importance of timing, and how every household can play a unique role in a child's life.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering! In this episode, host Helen sits down with Joanne and her sons, Max (16) and Oliver (12), to share their inspiring journey as a fostering family.

Discover what it’s really like to open your home to foster children—from the initial decision and assessment process, to welcoming their first placements, and the everyday joys and challenges of family life with five children. Hear directly from Max and Oliver about their honest feelings, how fostering has changed their perspectives, and the special memories they’ve created with their foster siblings.

Whether you’re considering fostering, already on the journey, or simply curious about the impact it has on families, this episode offers valuable insights, advice, and encouragement. Joanne and her boys discuss the importance of communication, the power of empathy, and why fostering has become their “forever job.”

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Welcome to another episode of Voices of Fostering! In this episode, we are joined by Julie, a dedicated team support worker from National Fostering Group. Julie shares insights into her role, which involves organising events for children and providing one-on-one support for fostering families. 

She also discusses the challenges new foster carers face, the rewarding experiences in her job, and addresses common misconceptions about fostering.

Julie's passion for making a difference in the lives of children and fostering families shines throughout the conversation. Tune in to learn more about the vital support offered to foster carers and the incredible impact of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us in this heartwarming episode of Voices of Fostering as we sit down with Derek, a dedicated foster carer who, along with his wife Carol, has been fostering for nearly 20 years. Derek shares their journey, challenges, and the rewarding moments of fostering 29 children over the years. Discover the motivations behind their commitment, their experiences with various children, and their thoughts on the importance of fostering. Get inspired by their unwavering dedication and the positive impact they've had on countless lives.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of the Voices of Fostering Podcast, host Tim is joined by Meshak, a trainer at the National Fostering Group. Meshak discusses his multifaceted role, which includes developing and delivering training for foster carers and colleagues, with a key focus on empowerment and mental health. 

The conversation covers the innovative and supportive methods used to train foster carers, including breakout sessions, case studies, and discussions. Meshak also introduces  National Fostering Group’s Book Club, explaining how it started, its growth, and its impact on personal and professional development. The book club serves as a supportive network where foster carers and professionals can share perspectives, learn from each other, and apply new knowledge in their roles. 

Meshak emphasises the importance of understanding various topics such as autism and attachment theories to improve the fostering experience. The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to join and participate in the book club to further their learning and support network.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of the Voices of Fostering Podcast, we are joined by Gill, a panel advisor with over 30 years of experience in social work within fostering. Gill delves into her role, explaining the function and importance of the foster care panel in the approval process of foster carers.

The discussion provides a comprehensive overview of what prospective foster carers can expect during the panel meeting, including the criteria evaluated, the supportive environment of the panel, and the qualities sought in foster carers.

Gill also addresses common misconceptions about the panel and offers valuable advice for individuals who are about to undergo this critical step in their fostering journey.

Tune in to gain deep insights into the fostering approval process and the essential role of the foster care panel.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of the Voices of Fostering podcast, we are joined by acclaimed author Patrice Lawrence. Patrice shares her compelling journey to becoming an author, rooted in her experiences of being privately fostered and growing up in a multi-ethnic family. 

She discusses the influence of fostering on her writing, the challenges of representation in literature, and how books can serve as powerful tools for empathy and understanding. 

Patrice also highlights her work in social justice and offers book recommendations for those interested in fostering. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of stories.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Ashley John-Baptiste–a Cambridge graduate and BBC presenter–to discuss his extraordinary journey from foster care to academic and professional success.

Ashley shares deeply personal stories of his experiences growing up in various foster homes, the impact of dedicated foster carers like 'Joyce,' and his transition to adulthood. He also explores the resilience he developed and its application to his career and personal life.

Listeners will gain inspiration from Ashley's story and valuable insights into the importance of inclusivity, resilience, and support within the foster care system. Be sure to check out his book 'Looked After,' which sheds light on these crucial experiences.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of the Voices of Fostering Podcast, Tim interviews Valda, a dedicated foster carer from London. Valda shares her journey of becoming a foster carer alongside her husband Richard, having started officially in 2016. 

She discusses the transition from their previous careers, their informal mentoring of children in need, and the challenges and rewards of fostering. Valda also describes handling complex cases involving therapeutic parenting, her accredited training in Strengthening Families, and the critical issues of gang affiliations and county lines that some foster children face. 

The episode highlights Valda’s unwavering patience, her insights about fostering, and the impact of building solid foundations for vulnerable children.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of the Voices of Fostering podcast, host Tim welcomes Joann, a foster carer assessment manager at National Fostering Group. Joann provides a detailed overview of her role and what a typical day looks like, emphasising the variety and the unique challenges of her work. 

She discusses the essential qualities and experiences of successful foster carers and delves into the specifics of the foster care assessment process. 

Joann addresses common concerns and misconceptions, including questions about age and medical conditions, and offers valuable advice for those interested in starting their fostering journey. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartwarming episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Serwari, a dedicated foster carer with over 12 years of experience. Serwari shares her incredible journey, from overcoming personal challenges to fostering children from diverse backgrounds, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. 

She discusses her initial apprehensions, valuable support from social workers, and her rewarding experiences of seeing foster children thrive. Serwari also provides insightful advice for those considering fostering and the importance of support networks. Don't miss this inspiring episode and learn more about the transformative power of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we chat with Paul, a foster carer who is just over a year into his fostering journey. 

Paul shares the motivations and inspirations that led him and his wife, Paula, to become foster carers. He discusses the challenges and adjustments they've made in their lives, especially in caring for a young boy with autism. 

Paul gets candid about the initial apprehensions, the assessment process, and how fostering has become a fulfilling part of their lives. Tune in to learn about Paul's experiences, the support systems in place, and his advice for potential foster carers.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we speak with foster carers Lloyd and Mary about their journey since transferring to National Fostering Group. Discover what inspired them to start fostering, the challenges they've faced, and how their past careers influenced their decision. Learn about their experiences fostering children with specific needs, the support they received, and the importance of the matching process. Gain insights and advice for potential foster carers, and hear about the rewarding and life-changing impact fostering has had on Lloyd and Mary's lives.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome back Pat, a dedicated foster carer who shares her emotional journey over the past year. 

Despite facing significant challenges, Pat's resilience and the support from her fostering agency helped her through. Pat talks about the ups and downs of fostering, including successfully integrating routines and addressing anger issues in a young boy. 

She also discusses the importance of making children feel safe and loved. Join us to hear Pat's inspiring story and learn about the realities and rewards of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we dive into the Mockingbird Program, an innovative fostering model based on the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. Hosts Darren, a foster carer, and Kate from Heath Farm, explain how the program works, its benefits for both children and carers, and why it has been successful for over a decade. 

Learn about the community-driven support system that provides foster families with a network of care and resources, making fostering a more enriching experience for all involved.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Ali, a dedicated foster carer with 34 years of experience. Ali shares her journey into fostering, inspired by her mother's difficult post-war childhood in the care system. 

Her story highlights the profound importance of empathy and meticulous care in fostering, especially for children with disabilities. Ali provides insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering, the importance of managing transitions for foster children, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference. 

Join us to hear Ali's inspiring story and gain a deeper understanding of the world of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we talk to Tariq, a passionate foster carer with over 15 years of experience. Tariq shares his journey into fostering, influenced by his brother's long-term commitment, and the rewarding experiences of providing a loving home to vulnerable children, primarily from the Muslim community. 

Tariq also addresses the importance of raising awareness and encouraging more people, especially from diverse backgrounds, to consider fostering. 

Discover the challenges and the immense rewards that come with being a foster carer, and why a diverse group of foster carers is essential for meeting the needs of all children.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Barney, a foster carer of 16 years. Barney shares his inspirational journey from being a solo carer to fostering alongside his husband. He discusses his background, the influence of his parents who also fostered, and his transition from being cabin crew to a fulfilling life in fostering. 

Barney opens up about the challenges and rewarding experiences of fostering long-term children and provides insights for those considering entering the world of fostering. 

Tune in to hear about the everyday life of a fostering household, navigating relationships, and the importance of support from fostering agencies.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Tim, a dedicated support worker from the National Fostering Group. Tim shares insights about his role, the challenges faced by foster children, the importance of building trust, and the immense support network available to foster carers. 

Tim also addresses common misconceptions about fostering and highlights the rewarding aspects of his job. Tune in to learn about the significant impact support workers have on the lives of foster children and the fostering community.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Helen interviews Fiza, a dedicated foster carer for over 10 years. Fiza shares her journey from discovering the concept of fostering to fostering with her husband and birth children. She discusses the influence of her neighbour in her decision to foster and how fostering has impacted her family. 

Fiza provides insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering teenagers, asylum seekers, and parent-and-child placements. She emphasises the importance of compassion, empathy, and not taking things personally in fostering. 

Fiza also highlights the critical support from her family and community in her fostering journey. Tune in to learn about the profound difference fostering can make in the lives of both carers and children.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Garreth and his daughter Maya share their personal experiences and insights from 14 years of being a fostering family. They discuss the challenges and rewards of fostering, including the emotional aspects of letting go of foster children, the benefits of fostering on birth children, and the role of support networks. Garreth also talks about his current role as a carer recruitment officer and how his own experiences aid him in guiding new foster carers. 

Maya reflects on her upbringing in a fostering household and how it has shaped her empathy and understanding. This heartwarming conversation reveals the profound impact fostering can have on families and the lasting bonds formed with foster children.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' we are joined by Lucy, a dedicated foster carer who shares her unique journey from growing up in a fostering family to becoming a foster parent herself. Lucy talks about the natural progression into fostering, the emotional highs and lows, and the immense support from her family. Learn about the profound impact fostering has had on her own children and how it has become a way of life, providing stability and love to children in need. Lucy also discusses the importance of empathy, resilience, and the invaluable support from social workers and community groups.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us as host Helen sits down with Sue, a dedicated foster carer with nearly two decades of experience. 

Sue shares her deeply personal reasons for embarking on this journey, the challenges she has faced, and the immense joy she feels when seeing the young people in her care succeed and thrive. 

Despite being a lone foster carer, Sue highlights the invaluable support from friends, family, and her supervising social worker. From handling difficult situations involving gang-related issues to the simple pleasure of having a full house, Sue's story is both inspiring and enlightening. Plus, meet Bubbles, Sue's talkative parrot, who adds a unique and comforting presence to her home.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen hosts a discussion with Ben and Jasmine, supervising social workers from National Fostering Group. 

They delve into the unique role of supervising social workers and how they support foster carers, emphasising the importance of long-term relationships and stability. 

Ben and Jasmine also share insights into foster care recruitment, outreach efforts, myths about fostering, and the assessment process. 

Tune in to learn about the critical role of supervising social workers and their impact on fostering communities.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen interviews Manda, an experienced foster carer. 

Manda shares her eight-year journey of fostering, beginning with her initial motivations and the transition from her career in accounting. She recounts her first foster children, two Iraqi brothers, and the unique challenges and learning experiences they brought. 

The discussion also details the arrival of a brother and sister duo, focusing on the boy who has been with Manda for seven years and feels safe and part of her family. Manda touches on some of the difficulties, including the emotional strain when the girl had to move to another foster family. 

Despite the challenges, Manda emphasises the rewarding aspects of fostering, the strong support network provided by National Fostering Group, and her fulfilment in seeing foster children thrive. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartfelt episode host Helen chats with Darren, a dedicated foster carer of 13 years. 

Darren discusses his journey into fostering with his husband, driven by the desire to make a significant impact on fewer individuals rather than a minimal impact on many. 

He shares the challenges they faced, particularly the acceptance as a same-sex couple, and their encounter with the supportive agency that embraced their uniqueness. 

Darren reflects on the positive transformations in their lives, the cohesive community they built with other foster carers, and the invaluable life lessons learned. He highlights the profound successes, such as fostering long-term connections and creating a stable, loving environment for children. 

Darren's story is a powerful testament to the incredible impact fostering has not only on the children but also on the carers themselves. Join us to be inspired by Darren's journey and explore the transformative power of foster care.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this touching episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen chats with Jo-Anne, a passionate foster carer, about her inspiring journey. Jo-Anne shares how her dream of fostering began at the age of nine, influenced by her cousin who was also a foster carer. Jo-Anne and her husband, they decided to pursue fostering during the COVID lockdown, leading to a smooth and rewarding process. Jo-Anne details the in-depth assessment and the importance of training, especially therapeutic parenting, in preparing them for fostering. She recounts the emotional experience of being approved and welcoming their first children, a sibling group of twins who have been with them for nearly five years. Jo-Anne also opens up about the lessons she has learned from fostering and the support of her own family in this journey. She advocates passionately for fostering, emphasising that anyone with the love and desire to help children can become a foster carer, regardless of their background.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Khaira, who shares her heartfelt and insightful experiences as a birth child in a fostering family. Khaira recounts her journey from being a 12-year-old excited about her family becoming a fostering family to today, reflecting on how this unique upbringing shaped her character, values, and future aspirations. She discusses the initial challenges, the joy of welcoming new children into her home, and the invaluable life lessons learned along the way. If you're considering fostering and have birth children, Khaira's story offers a comprehensive and honest look at the positive and challenging aspects of fostering from a sibling's perspective. Join us to hear how fostering has not only enriched her life but also prepared her for a compassionate and fulfilling future.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Hannah, SENCO and Educational Lead at  National Fostering Group. She discusses her multifaceted role in providing educational support to foster carers and young people in care. Hannah shares insights on everything from managing educational challenges across different age groups to her career journey that led her to this vital work. She explains how the team helps prevent school exclusions, supports children with special educational needs, and assists with school refusal cases. Hannah also highlights the importance of collaborative relationships and tailored strategies to ensure every young person in foster care thrives. Tune in to learn more about the unique educational support foster carers receive at National Fostering Group and how it can make a significant difference in young people's lives.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Travis, a dedicated foster carer for nearly a decade. Travis shares his transformational journey from a monotonous corporate job to providing a loving and nurturing environment for children and teenagers in foster care. Hear about the emotional and rewarding experiences he's had, the challenges and misconceptions he's faced, and the incredible impact fostering has made on his life and the lives of the children he's cared for. If you're considering fostering, Travis's story is a heartwarming and insightful testimonial on the positive change it can bring.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we talk with Amy, a foster carer with over 11 years of experience. Amy shares her inspiring journey into fostering, influenced by her family members Celia and Terry. She provides deep insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering, from turning around the lives of children and witnessing their growth and success.Learn about the support system available for foster carers and the touching stories of the many children Amy and her husband Steve have cared for. Whether you're considering fostering or just curious, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative power of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stories of our foster carers in our Voices of Fostering podcast, and in this episode, we take you through a day in the life of a foster carer! Host Helen sits down with Corrina, a primary school teacher who, alongside her husband, began fostering during the pandemic. They are now providing long-term care to two boys attending senior school.

In this episode, Corrina opens up about their motivations for fostering, the fostering process, and, most importantly, the everyday realities of life as a foster carer – from their morning routines to their bedtime rituals. This is a fantastic episode for anyone curious about the day-to-day life of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Nazia, a dedicated foster carer and former social worker. Nazia shares her passionate journey about what led her to foster after 22 years in social work and her invaluable experiences as a foster carer. From helping children in school to managing the complex needs of foster kids, Nazia's story is a powerful testament to resilience, family support, and the importance of caring for others. Tune in as she discusses her transition from social work to fostering, the importance of cultural understanding in care, and her inspiring thoughts for those considering fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen interviews Sarah, a Carer Recruitment Officer, to shed light on the process of becoming a foster carer. Sarah explains her role in guiding applicants through the four-to-six-month journey, from initial contact to approval by a panel. She discusses common misconceptions about fostering, the importance of diverse backgrounds, and the comprehensive support systems in place for foster carers. Sarah also shares her personal experience of transitioning from cabin crew to fostering, emphasising the life-changing impact of fostering on children and young people.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Lisa shares her experiences working within  National Fostering Group and her personal journey growing up in a fostering family. Lisa talks about her role as the Referral Hub Manager in Scotland, the qualities that make a great foster carer, and the significance of supporting birth children involved in fostering. Tune in to hear heartfelt stories and invaluable insights into the fostering world.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Join us on this episode of Voices of Fostering as we chat with Theresa, a dedicated foster carer for over 17 years. Theresa shares her inspirational journey from managing a nursery to becoming a foster carer after the loss of her husband. She recounts her initial apprehensions, the challenges she faced, and the deep connections she formed with the children and their birth families. Theresa highlights the immense rewards and emotional fulfilment that fostering has brought to her life, offering invaluable insights and encouragement for those considering fostering. Don't miss this heartfelt and educational conversation!

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we chat with Rachel, a carer recruitment officer from National Fostering Group. Rachel shares her unique story, starting from her life on an RAF base to becoming a foster parent and eventually adopting a child. She discusses the supportive environment of the RAF camp, the decision to foster, and the rewarding experiences it brought. Now, as a Carer Recruitment Officer, she helps guide others in their fostering journeys. Tune in to hear her insightful and heartwarming experiences.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with Hilary, a dedicated foster carer, to discuss her and her husband Pierre's decade-long journey in fostering. Hilary shares heartfelt stories about their experiences with over 20 children, the challenges and therapeutic aspects of the assessment process, and the support system available for foster carers. She also talks about the joys of staying in touch with past foster children, taking them on memorable holidays, and the emotional journey of seeing foster children return to their birth parents. Hilary's insights provide a comprehensive look into the impactful and rewarding world of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen sits down with supervising social worker Stefanie to discuss the vital topic of self-care for foster carers. Stefanie shares her background and journey into social work, the role of a social worker within fostering, and delves deeply into the concept of carer fatigue and compassion fatigue. Learn about the signs of burnout, practical advice on managing it, and the importance of support systems. Stefanie also provides insights into her rewarding experiences working with foster carers and offers advice for individuals considering fostering. 

Footnotes: 
Downloadable link as mentioned in the episode: 
313_Traffic-light-wellness-planning-tool_V1_PCC_Flyer_DRAFT1.pdf (acacia.org.uk)

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Ruth, a dedicated foster carer for 15 months, shares her inspiring journey into fostering. A former teacher and mother of three, Ruth always aspired to foster but only began the process after reconnecting with a friend who was also a foster carer. Ruth discusses the rigorous yet necessary assessment process, emphasising that fostering is a viable option for older individuals. She advocates for fostering teenagers and asylum seekers, attributes her success to the support of her fostering agency, and highlights the emotional rewards and cultural enrichment fostering has brought to her life. Ruth also touches upon her plans to welcome a second foster child soon.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, we hear the incredible story of Joan, who was placed in foster care shortly after her birth. Joan shares insights into her upbringing with a caring foster mother, the challenges she faced after her foster mother's passing, and the eventual blessing of being taken in by her foster mother's daughter. Joan reflects on the differences in foster care between the 1950s and today, and how her experiences shaped her as a mother to her children, including her well-known daughter, Gemma Collins. Joan also discusses her discovery of her biological family's history and her involvement with  National Fostering Group, advocating for the importance of fostering and providing a loving home to children in need. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Becoming a Foster Carer: Insights and FAQs with Nic from National Fostering Group

Join us for a special bonus episode of Voices of Fostering, where we speak with Nic, a carer recruitment manager from National Fostering Group. Nic walks us through the entire process of becoming a foster carer, from the initial visit to training, assessments, and finally, getting approved. She also sheds light on the different types of fostering, financial support, and the extensive support network available to foster carers. Whether you are just curious or seriously considering fostering, this episode answers your most frequently asked questions and offers valuable insights.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Rachel and David share their journey of fostering over the past five years. From their love for children to the unexpected moments that shaped their path, Rachel and David talk candidly about their experiences, including the joys and challenges of balancing birth children with fostering. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of our Voices of Fostering podcast, we are joined by Amalia, one of our amazing foster carers. She has been fostering for 10 years alongside her husband. Amalia shares her unique journey, from working in high-end casinos and running a pub to becoming a foster carer after seeing a simple advert. She reflects on the joys and challenges of fostering, the emotional ups and downs, and what she has learned along the way.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In the latest episode of our Voices of Fostering podcast, Helen speaks with Scott, a foster carer who started fostering in his early 20s. Scott speaks about what inspired him and his wife to step into fostering, how they navigated the challenges of starting during the pandemic, and the emotional experience of welcoming their first placement—two brothers—right before Christmas.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

For the past 15 years, May has been a dedicated foster carer with NFA Scotland, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She and her husband waited until their daughter turned 16 before taking the step into fostering, ensuring it was the right time for their family. The journey has been a rollercoaster, but one they wouldn’t trade for anything. May is a strong advocate for the practice of mindfulness among foster carers, emphasising its vital role in managing the unique challenges they face. In this episode, we explore the positive impact of mindfulness in fostering and how it has helped May and others.





Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:22 May's Journey into Fostering
03:01 First Experiences as a Foster Carer
06:27 Challenges and Rewards of Fostering
10:45 Mindfulness and Its Impact
21:42 Advice for Aspiring Foster Carers
25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Jayne and Ken have been dedicated foster carers for 19 years, and their journey is nothing short of remarkable. In one of our most heartfelt episodes yet, they share stories of children once labelled by local authorities as "children from hell," some facing unimaginable medical challenges. Despite the odds, Jayne and Ken's unwavering support helped these children thrive, and today, many of them are adults raising families of their own.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

We had the incredible honour of welcoming gold Paralympic medalist, Ellie Simmonds, onto our podcast! 🎙️

In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into Ellie’s inspiring journey. From her early years in foster care to being adopted by her amazing parents who are foster carers, Ellie shares how these experiences shaped her extraordinary path to success. 💪

Don't miss this heartwarming and motivational conversation! 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Phil is passionate about sports and, most importantly, is an exceptional foster carer. In this episode of our Voices of Fostering Podcast, Phil discusses the importance of boosting foster children's self-esteem and how one way he has managed to do this is through karate. We will also learn more about Phil and his fostering journey.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce Zak, our Training Team Leader. Zak works with our current foster carers to provide them with top-notch training and equip them with essential skills. Tune in to hear about our redesigned Skills to Foster Training, therapeutic parenting courses, and how we use VR to elevate our training to the next level.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode, we meet foster carer Nigel who fosters alongside his wife Penny! Back in 2018, whilst fostering Nigel was involved in an accident that unfortunately left him with full sight loss, in this episode Nigel speaks about that experience, his highs and his lows and ultimately why he continues to foster! 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In the latest episode of the Voices of Fostering Podcast, we introduce Matt, whose passion for fostering is deeply rooted in his family history. Inspired by his father's experiences growing up in the care system during the 1950s, Matt pursued a career in the military before he and his wife embarked on their journey as foster carers. They have now been dedicated to fostering for two years.

Stream this episode on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, or your favorite podcast platform. For your convenience, click the link below to listen now.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Hayley has been familiar with fostering since her teenage years, as her parents were both foster carers. This experience set her on a wonderful path that led her to adopt her daughter, Shirley, who was initially fostered by her parents. Now, two years later, Hayley has been approved as a foster carer herself. Her story showcases the powerful impact fostering can have on the children of foster carers and highlights that having a disability does not prevent one from becoming a foster carer.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In some cases, you can still foster while working full-time, as is the case for Andrew, a single carer who continues to work. In this episode of the Voices of Fostering Podcast, Andrew shares his experience as a foster carer over the past year. He discusses how he has managed to balance his job with fostering and talks about the children he has cared for. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Fostering teenagers is something that Sol and her wife Michelle were very passionate about, and four years later, they have fostered two teenagers, one of whom is now with them permanently! In this episode of our Voices of Fostering Podcast, you will learn more about their experiences as foster carers, their hopes for the future, and their love for Disney!

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Our next episode of our Voices of Fostering podcast episode is out now, and this time you get to hear from one of our supervising social workers! 

In this episode, you'll hear from Anna, one of our dedicated supervising social workers. It's an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the role and understand the support you can expect at National Fostering Group. But also a great episode to find out more about the people behind the roles, for instance how Anna is a Strongwomen and recently won UK and Northern Ireland title! 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Soo and Hugh always had an open-door policy for all of their daughter's friends, offering help in any situation. This was second nature to them, but upon reflection, it marked the very beginning of their journey toward becoming foster carers. Soo and Hugh have been fostering for over 10 years they had debated looking into adoption, but as Hugh said, 'With fostering, we can help lots of children.'

This episode provides valuable insights into the road to fostering, including the assessment process and much more!

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Ever wondered if age is a barrier to fostering? Join us in our latest podcast episode as we debunk this myth with Pat, a first-time foster carer embarking on this journey at the age of 70! In this special virtual edition, amidst the candid conversation with Pat, you'll also experience the joyful babbling of the baby she currently fosters. Tune in to delve into the genuine experience of fostering, as Pat shares her inspiring journey and gives us a glimpse into her day-to-day life as a foster carer.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of our fostering podcast, you will meet Julie, who with her husband have fostered for 23 years, which is truly remarkable. 

In this candid episode, Julie speaks about her recovery from breast cancer and what that meant for her and her foster family. Julie is truly an inspiration, her constant upbeat attitude has meant that she has been able to provide such wonderful care to the children she has and continues to care for. 

With 23 years of experience to talk about this is one episode you do not want to miss. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode of our Focus on Fostering Podcast, you get to meet Sue and Kelvin who decided to foster when they retired. 

Sue and Kelvin both nurses, first heard about fostering from another couple on a cruise, it was a few years later once retired that they decided to take their step into fostering. 

In this episode you will hear from both Sue and Kelvin on what they believe makes a great foster carer, from communication, to giving foster children pets to learn what nurturing feels like and most importantly finding out more on staying out, which is when a foster child stays with their carers after they turn 18.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

In this episode, you will meet Jenna and Craig, who foster alongside their 9-year-old daughter. Together for 15 years and married for 5, both Jenna and Craig wanted to pursue fostering to make a difference. Jenna and Craig primarily foster babies, and in this episode, they discuss the assessment process, the children moving on, and their hopes for the future. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

To conclude our first season of "Focus on Fostering," we're thrilled to present a truly extraordinary episode. Join us as we introduce you to Geoff, a dedicated foster carer, and his remarkable young person, Aiden, both of whom played featured in the compelling BBC One Documentary, "Teens in Care."

As is our tradition, our episodes are unscripted and utterly authentic. However, in this particular instalment, we've decided to forgo our regular host, Helen, in favor of offering you an intimate glimpse into the everyday life of a foster family. What better way to achieve this than by having 17-year-old Aiden and his foster carer, Geoff, engage in a candid exchange of questions? They'll be sharing their experiences in the world of fostering, as well as offering valuable advice to fellow carers and young people alike.

To cap off this special episode, we've arranged a friendly competition to determine who knows each other better. Be prepared for some fierce rivalry, as it turns out that both Aiden and Geoff are quite the competitors!

If you would also like to watch this episode you can find it here.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Coming up on Episode 6, we meet Mark who is a foster carer of unaccompanied minors, young asylum seekers who arrive in the UK by themselves, scared and in need of a safe and loving home. 

But in helping them, he has helped himself, he has faced incredibly difficult personal challenges but says he couldn’t have got through them without the fostering family he has created. Don’t miss his powerful story. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Coming up on Episode 5 we explore how our past experience impact our lives, and how children in foster care benefit from Therapeutic Life Story work, processing their trauma with the help of a professional like our guest, Linda. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Coming up in episode 4. We meet Carol and her daughter Emma and hear their incredible story of how being a fostering family has shaped their lives, from her adopting her foster child Ryan to how they all come together to support each other in difficult times. Carol has a wealth of experience and this is an incredible episode to listen to. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Leonie’s mum and dad have been fostering since she was just two. It’s pretty much all she’s ever known. One of her earliest memories is of a young foster child coming into the room where Leonie was watching TV, sitting down on her lap and falling asleep. She’s since learned that many foster children feel uncomfortable with adults because of everything that’s happened to them, so birth children play a really important role in foster families. Having foster children became a way of life for Leonie, who estimates her family cared for around 70 children – some for just a few days, others for much longer.  And while we may think that what Leonie, her parents and her sister do is amazing, for them fostering is just part of everyday life. In this podcast, Leonie shares the steps they take to make foster children feel welcome and part of the family and explains what she says to people who have negative views about fostering. She’s a great ambassador for fostering and it’s no surprise that she says she plans to foster one day. In the meantime, she’s chosen a career that will perfectly suit her calm, unflappable demeanour. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Sarah Jane wears two different hats when it comes to fostering and adoption. She’s a foster carer recruitment officer for National Fostering Group and an adoptive mum to her 11-year-old son. At work, it’s her job to meet would-be foster carers and tell them what fostering’s all about, alongside looking after the agency’s team of foster carers. She helps people who want to foster get a realistic understanding of what’s involved and prepare to apply. Sarah Jane has personal experience of the challenges of bringing a child into your home after adopting her son eight years ago. Candidly, she describes feeling like she’d “kidnapped” him from his family when he first arrived and how many things she wishes she’d done differently. Looking after a child who’s experienced trauma can be challenging and she’s learned what a difference Therapeutic Parenting makes – helping a child understand their emotions, responding with acceptance, compassion and empathy. Both at home and at work, she’s witnessed the benefits of allowing children to feel what they feel without trying to fix it. It’s not an easy journey but helping a child feel they belong somewhere is the most rewarding thing ever – supporting them to become the best they can be.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Destiny is a lively and articulate young woman who spent her childhood in various foster homes before finding her forever home with her current foster family. She speaks candidly about her anger growing up and the many traumatic experiences she faced. Describing herself as a “very troubled child”, Destiny found out at age four that the person she was living with was not her real mum. She found meeting her biological mum confusing and traumatic and expressed her feelings through angry outbursts. Destiny explains that “you need to find an outlet” and the foster home provided a safe environment to let out her emotions. Age 17, she hit rock bottom but then something changed.  Destiny learned a different way to express her feelings. Slowly she came to a new understanding about her life and her experiences. Now, Destiny speaks passionately about learning to accept the past and live in the present. She shares what’s important to her in life, her hopes and her dreams. She believes even small acts of self-care (drinking tea’s a biggie) help to shape a brighter future. And, for her, family comes above everything – the foster parents who allowed her to grow, to become Destiny.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube