Blog

Category: Latest blogs Date: May 2 2025

How a therapeutic approach to fostering makes all the difference

Many children in care have experienced trauma that shapes how they see the world and respond to it. Therapeutic foster care offers the empathy and support they need to begin healing. In this blog, we explore what it means, how it works, and the powerful impact it can have.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 23 2025

Can I Foster if my Child has Additional Needs?

If your child has additional needs, like a physical or mental health condition, Autism, or ADHD—you might be wondering what fostering would look like for your family. While many people foster while raising their own children, it can be more complex when your child needs extra support. Here’s what to consider before deciding if fostering is right for you.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 20 2025

Playful Parenting: Putting P.A.C.E Strategies into Action

At Fostering People, we follow the P.A.C.E parenting model—a trauma-informed approach built on four key principles: playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy. Let’s explore the first strategy, playfulness, and how you can incorporate it into daily life to support your child’s emotional well-being.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 7 2025

Top tips on bridging the digital gap to keep kids safe online

Mark Briggs, a Fostering People Team Manager with 30+ years' experience, shares his top online safety tips as a CEOP ambassador.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 1 2025

How to talk to your family and friends about becoming a foster parent

Friends and family may have questions or concerns when your first express an interest in fostering, all of which come from a loving place. Check out our handy tips on how to talk with your loved ones about becoming a first-time foster parent, along with tips on how to discuss the idea with your partner.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 13 2025

New Year, New Start: Why 2025 Could Be the Perfect Time to Foster

Is your New Year’s resolution to find a more rewarding career where you’ll play an active role in making the world a better place? In this blog post, you’ll discover how to pick a new career and why 2025 is the perfect time to begin a new professional journey in fostering.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 11 2024

Introducing Fostering People’s Buddy Scheme

At Fostering People we are all about bringing people together, so we’re highlighting the fantastic work of our foster parents who volunteer their time, energy and experience to support new foster parents through our Buddy Scheme.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 13 2024

How Fostering People prepare new foster parents to foster successfully

Starting your fostering journey can feel overwhelming, but Fostering People is here to support you every step of the way and prepare you for success.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 11 2024

Celebrating Black History Month: Uplifting Children’s Cultural Identity

This Black History Month we’re learning about the importance of centring children’s cultural identity and ensuring that their heritage is respected and celebrated while they are in foster care.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 1 2024

What Makes Fostering a Teenager Incredibly Rewarding

Let’s break down some of the stigma around fostering older children and learn about what makes fostering a teenager special.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: September 2 2024

A Day in the Life of a Social Worker

Social workers play a crucial role in supporting our foster parents, helping them provide the highest standard of care for the children they look after. We spoke with Rob, one of our outstanding senior Supervising Social Workers, to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a social worker.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: August 1 2024

The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Approach in Foster Care

At Fostering People, we support children with trauma from adverse experiences. Our therapeutic fostering and trauma-informed approach help these children heal. But what is trauma, and why is a trauma-informed approach crucial in foster care? Keep reading to find out.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: July 16 2024

Can you foster if you have a dog?

A pet dog can be a great first step for many young people, helping them to form attachments to the family as a whole.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: June 11 2024

The Unique Role of Foster Dads in the World of Foster Care

From teaching a child to ride their bike to advocating for their education and seeing them achieve, foster dad’s dedication and love continue to improve the lives of children and young people every single day

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Category: Latest blogs Date: May 3 2024

The Role of Foster Parents in Promoting Sibling Mental Health

This mental health awareness month at Fostering People, we’re exploring the key role which you as a foster parent can play in helping siblings in foster care to thrive.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 17 2024

How Fostering People Work Locally

At Fostering People, we are committed to creating reliable networks within your local community. Our team has always embraced remote working, operating beyond the office. We serve numerous regions across the country, with our social workers living and working from home within the communities they support.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 5 2024

A Special Mother’s Day Thank you

We celebrate the dedication and love foster mums provide in nurturing vulnerable children. Join us in recognising their invaluable contributions to the fostering community.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 22 2024

7 Reasons to Foster with an Outstanding Fostering Agency

We delve into why opting for fostering with an 'Outstanding' agency is beneficial, highlighting seven crucial factors.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 18 2024

Is It Time to Transfer to a Different Fostering Provider?

Let's delve into the friendly cues that suggest it's the perfect moment to consider a provider switch, along with the wonderful benefits that come your way once you make the switch!

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 18 2023

Supporting Foster Children During the Christmas Season

Navigate the holiday season with our latest blog. Discover strategies for supporting foster children during Christmas

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 20 2023

Meaningful Ways to Connect with Your Foster Teen

We take a look into the practical and impactful strategies you can implement with your teen.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 1 2023

7 Ways to Boost Foster Children’s Communication Skills

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of communication skills, the unique challenges faced by foster children, and practical strategies you can implement to help boost your foster child's communication abilities

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 24 2023

Spooktacular Halloween Ideas with Teens

Check out our guide to making memorable and spooktacular celebrations that will leave your teens grinning from ear to ear.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 2 2023

Don't Want to Retire - Foster

If you find yourself nearing retirement age and pondering whether to continue working, consider these compelling reasons why welcoming a child into your life might be the perfect choice for you.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 1 2023

Black History Month 2023

At Fostering People we are celebrating Black History Month. Download useful resources and get involved via our poetry competition.

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: September 29 2023

Staying Active – 5 Ways to Wellbeing

We know staying active is good for us, and it’s no surprise to find it as one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, rather we’d be shocked if it wasn’t. But when we all understanding how fundamental it is to our physical health, why is there such a difference in our approach?

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Category: Latest blogs Date: September 2 2023

Finding your purpose through fostering

Transform your empty nest into a fulfilling fostering journey. Make a life-changing impact on a child's life.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: August 3 2023

How to talk to your children about fostering

Here are some of our favourite tips on how to talk to your children about fostering.

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: July 26 2023

Keep learning with Podcasts

We love podcasts because they are so convenient, accessible and a great way to help us on our path to life long learning. One of the 5 ways to wellbeing. Find out more and see which current podcasts we recommend.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: July 24 2023

Can I really afford to foster a child?

Explore the possibilities of fostering as an excellent career path tailored for you, and delve into the comprehensive details of our allowances, rewards, and additional perks.

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: June 28 2023

Keep Learning

Learning is fundamental to our overall wellbeing. Find out why it's really important that we all embrace life long learning.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: June 8 2023

Managing Father’s Day with Foster Children

Let's explore some fantastic strategies to make Father's Day extra special when you have foster kids in your loving home!

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Category: Latest blogs Date: June 2 2023

Most common causes of stress for children in foster care

While every child’s history and circumstances will be unique to them, there are some common causes of stress that most looked-after children are likely to experience.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: May 24 2023

Respite ideas for stressed out foster families

Foster parents put in endless effort to provide a safe and loving home for their foster children. However, it's essential to remember that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of others. That's where respite care comes in, offering a much-needed break and support.

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: May 15 2023

Connecting with others – How to improve your mental health

Fostering People's Wellbeing series continues, this time we discuss the importance of relationships and how connecting with others improves not only our mental health but our physical health too.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 3 2023

Reasons why young people need role models

Discover why having role models in their lives is crucial for young people. We present six compelling reasons why becoming a positive influence can greatly benefit the development of your child. Don't miss out on the chance to make a difference in their life.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 16 2023

Jeremy Hunt's Budget delivers welcome news for foster parents

What is Qualifying Care Relief (QCR) and what does the Spring Budget mean for foster parents? How much more can foster carers earn before being eligible for tax?

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: March 3 2023

How to incorporate Mindfulness into your daily life

We’ve all heard of mindfulness, and have heard that it’s good for us. But as foster parents, with children to care for, places to be, meetings to go to, recordings to get down, shopping to get and 100 other jobs each and every day - how do you find precious moments for yourself to be mindful?

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: March 1 2023

Fostering People embark on '5 Ways to Wellbeing'

Over the last few months we have devoted some of the time discussing Wellbeing and its importance for us not only as professionals working in a stressful environment, but also as human beings navigating our way through the complexities of the modern world. At Fostering People we are dedicating 2023 to the '5 Ways to Wellbeing', join us as we embark on our journey and let's feel good together.

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Category: 5 Ways to Wellbeing Date: March 1 2023

Take Notice - One of the '5 Ways to Wellbeing'

By taking notice of the moment we are in and the world around us we can slow down the pace of life, appreciate the little things that make us happy and understand how we are feeling in the moment. Find out more as we discuss how taking notice is one of the five ways to wellbeing.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 1 2023

The Unseen Effects of Childhood Trauma

Many children who come into care have experienced trauma. Read about the unseen effects of childhood trauma and how understanding trauma can help young people later on.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 19 2023

Turning your home office into a home

Now that your home office may be largely unneeded, if you have dreams of welcoming a foster child there is one thing you definitely do need!

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 3 2023

4 reasons why we use the therapeutic fostering approach

Many children in care need extra support in healing from their troubled pasts, which is why at Fostering People, we’re dedicated to fostering therapeutically. Discover why below.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 7 2022

Things to consider when fostering for the first time this Christmas

Here are some key points to consider when fostering at Christmas

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 21 2022

Cost of living uplifts for foster parents

Supporting our foster parents well is the most important thing to us here at Fostering People.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 11 2022

John Lewis ad is just the beginning for care-experienced youth.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: November 4 2022

Fostering People's stress relief efforts this Stress Awareness Week

At Fostering People we take stress seriously and as a result we are doing all we can to help our foster families deal with one of the biggest causes of stress, our finances.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 17 2022

5 Bedroom Design Ideas for Foster Children with Special Needs

Here’s how to set up a spare bedroom for foster children with additional needs to make it a cool, calm and relaxing space.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: September 13 2022

13 reasons why dogs are good for children with ADHD & Autism

If your child or foster child has additional needs, a four-legged furry companion could help them emotionally, physically and developmentally.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 22 2022

7 Amazing reasons to foster a child with disabilities

Around 7/10 looked-after children have special needs, compared to 2 in 10 of all children.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 28 2022

Fostering an autistic child when you have birth children at home

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make fostering an autistic child with birth children a success.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 14 2022

8 questions to help you decide which foster agency to choose

To help you decide which fostering agency you should choose, we’ve broken down the eight most important questions you need to consider.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 7 2022

5 tips: how to transition a foster child into your home

In this guide, you’ll find simple and easy-to-follow tips to help make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 10 2022

5 Tips to Help a Foster Child Obsessed with Food

Before living with their foster family, many children in care didn’t know when their next meal was coming. This trauma can see them develop food obsession disorder symptoms, such as hoarding, bingeing or stealing. Here are 5 tips to help your foster child forge a healthy relationship with food.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 1 2022

The impact of fostering on birth children & 6 tips for success

Becoming a foster parent isn’t a decision you make on a whim. There are many things to consider and it’s important to include the whole household from the start. Which is why the decision can feel even more loaded when you have to think about the impact of fostering on birth children. Ensuring the wellbeing of your birth children will be a number one priority, but your other main priority is to provide your foster child with the best care possible. It may sound daunting, but when it’s done right, it’ll be worth it.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 7 2022

Hoarding, Stealing & Bingeing: Food Insecurity in Foster Children

Food hoarding, stealing and bingeing are common food issues foster children develop, but why do they do it and how can you help them? We’re here to help shed some light.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 20 2021

Working beyond retirement: why fostering could be for you

If you’ve recently hung up your work hat or are having to face early retirement, you may be wondering about how best to spend these golden years. There are many things to do after retirement to make money, but fostering is more than just a pay packet. It changes children’s lives.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: June 9 2021

History of Pride Month

June 2021 is PRIDE Month and pays tribute to all of those who were involved in the Stonewall riots in 1969. The first pride march was held the following year on New York City in 1970.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: May 3 2021

Deaf Awareness Week

1 in 6 people have hearing loss, meaning that more people might be struggling to hear you than you think. As part of our disability service at Fostering People we have cared for profoundly deaf children, but in our latest blog find out how to communicate better with people who although can hear, may stuggle to hear you completely.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 22 2021

National Stephen Lawrence Day

Stephen Lawrence Day this year seems quite fitting coming less than 48 hours after the conviction of George Floyd’s murderer.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 25 2021

How pet’s can increase a foster child’s emotional health

Friendship is really important to us and improves are emotional health, it has been shown to prevent illness and add years to our lives – while isolation can lead to depression. Find out more about how pet's can help.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 25 2021

Do dogs help children to stay fit?

We know that children need exercise to keep fit and healthy and so do our four legged friends.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 25 2021

How pets can reduce stress for foster children.

We all know that stroking a pet feels nice, but did you know that it’s scientifically proven to feel good?

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 24 2021

How pet's can teach foster children to care

Being caring and kind, isn't a skill we are born with. We learn these skills, particularly as children. Pet's provide a great opportunity for children to experience first hand, what a difference kindness and caring make.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 24 2021

How dogs can improve immune health for children

We all know dogs are a breading ground for germs, but did you know this can actually benefical to our immune health? Find out more.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 25 2021

UCAS Discovery Days

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Category: Latest blogs Date: February 12 2021

LGBT+ History Month

Oliver Kirkland shares his experience of how positively things have changes for LGBT foster parents and adopters.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 14 2020

Oliver's Christmas message

End of year message to all our fostering families.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 14 2020

The Story of Hanukkah

We are currently in the middle of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light. Read more about Hanukkah and the story behind this important time of year.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: December 2 2020

Young artist within Fostering People

Our foster children surprise us all the time with their talents, and these drawings are truely fantastic.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: September 28 2020

Exam results day 2020

Well done to each and every one of our young people who received results this year and thank you for sharing them! We’d like to wish them all luck stepping in to the next chapter of their education!

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Category: Latest blogs Date: June 9 2020

George Floyd: Going even further to ensure change

A message from Oliver Kirkland - Registered Manager talking about the tragic death of George Floyd and suggesting how we might learn from this as an organisation and as people.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: April 6 2020

Fostering assessments during social distancing

In light of recent Government social distancing instructions, we have amended our recruitment and assessment processes, to ensure we can still recruit new fostering family during this difficult time.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: March 23 2020

Our Response to COVID-19

A message from our Managing Director, John Platt and CEO, Jo August on our response to COVID-19.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 24 2020

How to decorate a foster child's bedroom

If you just thinking about becoming a foster carer, are new to fostering or an experienced foster parents decorating and preparing a bedroom for a foster child who is new to your home is really important.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: January 1 2020

Destination fostering! Clear sky's ahead

You may be wondering what it will be like to care for somebody’s else’s child; to share your home with a child, but a child who is effectively a stranger; how demanding will it be and what else does it involve?

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 22 2019

Stress Awareness Day and how I cope with stress

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 21 2019

Care made me

When a young person is in foster carer there are many statistics which show that outcomes for children within education, health, employment and crime are less positive than those of their peers which have grown up within a conventional family unit. But here we show how foster care has had a positive effect on young people's lives.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: October 21 2019

7 Tips to look after you this Self Care Week

Being a foster parent is a hard and often stressful role.  It's important to take care of yourself every bit as much as the children in your care. So here are some top tips to ensure you stay healthy both mentally and physically.

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Category: Latest blogs Date: August 7 2019

Working with Tyneside Women's Health

Starting in 2019, Fostering People have commenced partnership with Tyneside Women’s Health, a charitable organisation based in Newcastle and Gateshead. The aim of the charity is to help women and girls to improve their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Their overall vision is ‘a society that is free from mental health stigma, in which all women and girls feel included and empowered’.

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