In conversation with Ian Uttridge from the Together Trust fostering team

Is there a need for foster carers?

The demand for foster carers in the North West and across the country is increasing. Now more than ever we need to meet the challenge of matching children in need of support with suitable foster carers. We receive hundreds of referrals in the course of a month for children that need to be placed in foster care. That’s why we are so keen to find people who can foster and this means new foster carers and those that have fostered before.

Why foster with the Together Trust?

The Together Trust is a not-for-profit charity, we are not driven by profit, our focus is on the quality of care we can offer to the children and families we support. The fostering team continually strives to make a difference to each and every child but we can only do this with the support of our amazing foster carers. It’s about providing a nurturing environment for each child where they can thrive, surrounded by the Together Trust support network.

Who can foster?

Many different type of people can foster, it’s all about finding the right carer for each child. Each child is different and so is each foster carer. It essentially boils down to people who want to make a genuine difference to a vulnerable child, or children, and who are happy and excited at the prospect of providing a nurturing and fun-filled home environment. One thing you will need is a spare room for each foster child. You can read more here about who can foster.

Is fostering rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect of fostering is seeing the enormous difference it can make to a child and how they are able to thrive in a caring home environment. Even in a short term placement you can make a real difference to a child. The biggest reward for foster carers is to see the children they look after improve and progress.