As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are continuing to celebrate the stories that show the everyday realities of fostering and the people who make those moments easier, brighter, and more manageable.
This story is slightly different. Rather than recognising one individual, an anonymous foster carer wanted to shine a light on a collective – the regular group of foster carers who attend Sarah Moakes’ Therapeutic Foster Carer Group in our West Midlands office.
When asked what inspired their nomination, they shared:
“I am nominating a collective group of regular carers who attend the Sarah Moakes forum at the West Midlands office. They will know who they are! I want to acknowledge the listening, support and laughs the group provides.”
Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Having a space where people understand the realities of fostering without explanation can make an enormous difference. Spaces where carers can be open, ask questions, reflect honestly, and know they will be met with understanding are often just as important as formal support.
For this nominator, what stood out was not one big moment, but the feeling created every time the group came together.
“Listen, talk, offer advice, no judgement and most importantly some humour and laughs where appropriate.”
The “This is Fostering” campaign is about recognising that fostering is built not only through the relationships within homes, but also through the communities around them. Foster carers supporting other foster carers. Sharing experience. Reminding one another they are not alone.
Reflecting on the impact this group has had, the nominator said:
“This group time is as important, if not more so as the regular training we are offered and attend.”
And perhaps one of the most powerful reflections of all:
“Reassurance we are not alone and often foster families share the same challenges, if in different scenarios.”
So often, the most meaningful support comes from being heard. Knowing someone else understands. Feeling able to say things out loud without fear of judgement.
When asked about the little things that make the biggest difference, the answer remained beautifully simple:
“No judgement, listening and talking”
And the small but meaningful achievement they wanted to celebrate was equally powerful:
“Supportive to other fellow carers and reassurance”
To supplement this nomination, Sarah Moakes, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist and facilitator of the West Midlands Therapeutic Foster Carer Group, shared her reflections on what makes the group so special:
“The West Mids Therapeutic Foster carer group is well established and open to all carers. The overall focus is on peer support and a safe space for reflection, whether that is supporting a carer going through a difficult period who’d like to get insight from others or a regular opportunity to meet with others who truly understand and will listen.
The group has been so welcoming to myself and new carers who join regularly or as and when they can. I’m grateful to all the carers who attend both for their vulnerability and openness when things are hard but also their generosity in supporting others when they need it most.
It’s a genuine privilege to be part of this group in the WM & the newer ones we have establishing in the other regions more recently.”
This story is a reminder that fostering does not happen in isolation. Sometimes “This is Fostering” means being the person who listens. Sometimes it means offering reassurance. And sometimes, it simply means showing up for one another and sharing a laugh along the way.
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
