Raises Awareness of Fostering During National Foster Care Fortnight

The national awareness campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible contribution of foster carers and raises awareness of the ongoing need for more people to consider fostering.

This year's Foster Care Fortnight aims to shine a spotlight on the incredible contribution of foster carers and raises awareness of the ongoing need for more people to consider fostering.

There are a number of events taking place in our area.

Over the two weeks, Bexley will celebrate the dedication, compassion and resilience of its foster carers, while highlighting the life‑changing impact fostering has on children and young people across the borough.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, “This Is Fostering,” aims to show what fostering truly looks like and to recognise the meaningful relationships at the heart of fostering. The theme reflects the reality of modern fostering and the vital role carers play in providing stability, care, and connection for children and young people. 

During Foster Care Fortnight, Bexley will host a series of online Let’s Talk Fostering events and in-person outreach events across the borough, creating opportunities for open and honest conversations about what fostering looks like in Bexley today. These events will give residents the chance to ask questions, hear about real experiences, and find out whether fostering could be right for them.

Stephen Kitchman, Director of Children's Services at the London Borough of Bexley, said:

Foster carers make an extraordinary difference to the lives of children and young people in Bexley every single day. Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to recognise their dedication, celebrate their achievements and encourage others to come forward and find out how they too could change a life.”

Fostering has evolved significantly in the last few years, with a stronger focus on Fostering Together. In Bexley, this approach places relationships and peer support at its core. Core carers play a vital role as support networks for fostering families, offering guidance, sharing experience and helping carers feel confident, connected and supported.

Each Fostering Together community is made up of around six to eight fostering families, forming a close‑knit network based on shared experience and mutual support. At the heart of each community is a Core Carer, an experienced foster carer who provides leadership, guidance and peer support. Core Carers coordinate social activities and sleepovers and often go above and beyond, generously giving their time and resources to help families build strong relationships and feel part of a wider fostering community.

A Bexley foster carer said:

Fostering has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. Knowing we’re giving a child stability, care, and a sense of belonging really does change lives, theirs and ours. Being part of Bexley’s fostering community means you’re never on your own; there’s always someone to talk to, learn from, and lean on.”

There continues to be a need for more local foster carers in Bexley. Fostering offers individuals and families the opportunity to make a lasting difference, with full training, financial support, and ongoing guidance provided. Foster carers come from all backgrounds, whether single or married, renting or owning a home, working or retired. What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable, and caring environment for a child or young person. 

Residents who are interested in fostering are encouraged to get involved during Foster Care Fortnight and find out more about how they can support children and young people in their local community.

Meanwhile, in Greenwich, the council is hosting pop-up stalls and an online event to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider fostering on:

• Tuesday 12 May 3:30pm to 5:30pm, The Etham Centre 2 Archery Road, SE9 1HA
• Wednesday 13 May 3:30pm to 5:30pm, The Greenwich Centre, 12 Lambarde Square SE10 9GB
• Thursday 14 May, 11am to 12noon, Glyndon Community Centre, 75 Raglan Road SE18 7LB
• Monday 18 May 12noon to 2pm, Oxleas Woods Crown Woods Lane SE18 3JA
• Tuesday 19 May, 6pm to 7:30pm, Online, Fostering Information Event Microsoft Teams meeting Join here Meeting ID: 345 309 428 227 32 Passcode: yy9bp3GK
• Wednesday 20 May, 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Woolwich Waves, 49 Woolwich New Road SE18

At the weekend, The Royal Borough of Greenwich hosted its community football event to celebrate this year's Foster Care Fortnight.

Thinking of fostering?  

Greenwich

If you would like to learn more about becoming a foster carer call 0800 052 1449 or email fostering-recruitment@royalgreenwich.gov.uk  
A member from our experienced fostering team will be in touch within one working day. 

Bexley

Residents who are interested in fostering are encouraged to get involved during Foster Care Fortnight and find out more about how they can support children and young people in their local community.

For more information on our events during Foster Care Fortnight or about fostering with Bexley, please visit Foster for Bexley or call on 020 3045 4400.