As Foster Care Fortnight comes to a close, we wanted to share a final handful of nominations from across The Children’s Family Trust.
Over the past two weeks, we have celebrated carers, young people and members of the team whose stories show what fostering can look like in everyday life. Some nominations became individual posts and blogs, while others are being brought together here. Each one still deserves its moment.
Looking across these nominations, what stands out is the variety of ways people contribute to fostering. Some offer children a safe and nurturing home. Some provide short breaks that help carers recharge. Some support young people as they return to their families. Others bring people together through groups, events and everyday encouragement.
Different roles, different moments, but the same thread runs through them all: people giving their time, care and energy so children and young people feel supported.
Rachael and Tony were nominated for the way they throw themselves into life at The Children’s Family Trust. Rachael fosters alongside caring for her rescue dogs, while Tony works full time and also takes on what was described as his ‘second secret job as Santa’ for us. They are active members of both the Additional Needs Group and the Men Who Foster Group, bringing their time, humour and commitment to the wider fostering network.
“They fully immerse themselves in CFT life and are active members of our Additional needs group and the Men who foster group.”
Helen and Nick were recognised for the warmth and energy they bring to fostering and to the wider life of The Children’s Family Trust. Helen was described as ‘our very own Mary Poppins’, exceptionally organised, capable and rarely ruffled by obstacles.
Alongside caring for children and teaching Zumba to adults, Helen and Nick help organise the annual Christmas party and decorate the office each year. Together, they were described as a great team who give the children they care for a lovely, caring and nurturing home.
“Helen and Nick are a great team and give the children they care for a lovely, caring and nurturing home.”
Mike and Marie were nominated for the short break care they provide. For MF, their home is somewhere that feels fun, caring and familiar, almost like a holiday.
He is welcomed with open arms and made to feel part of the family while he is there. For his foster carer, that support means being able to properly recharge, knowing he is safe, happy and in good hands.
“Having somewhere to go that feels like a holiday, is fun, caring and provides the nurturing and support he is used too.”
Lynn and Jonathan were nominated for the way they have supported young people to return home to their parents. This work takes patience, sensitivity and close communication with everyone involved.
They supported each young person through transition plans, working with parents and social workers to help make the move back to family care as positive as possible.
“They are driven by wanting to create better lives for young people.”
Taken together, these stories show that fostering is not only shaped by the big milestones. It is also built through the practical, ordinary and often unseen things people do: turning up, making space, organising, listening, welcoming, reassuring and keeping going.
They also show that fostering is rarely just one person acting alone. It often involves whole households, wider families, support groups, staff, other carers and the wider network around a child. That shared effort matters.
As Foster Care Fortnight ends, we want to thank everyone who submitted a nomination and helped bring these stories forward. We also want to thank everyone who was nominated, whether featured in an individual post or included here.
Most of all, thank you to the foster carers, families, young people, staff and supporters across The Children’s Family Trust who continue to give their time, care and commitment every day.
This is fostering: people showing up in different ways, with care at the centre.
Thinking about fostering?
If stories like this inspire you, and you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster carer, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our team via our enquiry form: Contact The CFT About Fostering
