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In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen hosts a discussion with Ben and Jasmine, supervising social workers from National Fostering Group. 

They delve into the unique role of supervising social workers and how they support foster carers, emphasising the importance of long-term relationships and stability. 

Ben and Jasmine also share insights into foster care recruitment, outreach efforts, myths about fostering, and the assessment process. 

Tune in to learn about the critical role of supervising social workers and their impact on fostering communities.

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In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen interviews Manda, an experienced foster carer. 

Manda shares her eight-year journey of fostering, beginning with her initial motivations and the transition from her career in accounting. She recounts her first foster children, two Iraqi brothers, and the unique challenges and learning experiences they brought. 

The discussion also details the arrival of a brother and sister duo, focusing on the boy who has been with Manda for seven years and feels safe and part of her family. Manda touches on some of the difficulties, including the emotional strain when the girl had to move to another foster family. 

Despite the challenges, Manda emphasises the rewarding aspects of fostering, the strong support network provided by National Fostering Group, and her fulfilment in seeing foster children thrive. 

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

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In this heartfelt episode host Helen chats with Darren, a dedicated foster carer of 13 years. 

Darren discusses his journey into fostering with his husband, driven by the desire to make a significant impact on fewer individuals rather than a minimal impact on many. 

He shares the challenges they faced, particularly the acceptance as a same-sex couple, and their encounter with the supportive agency that embraced their uniqueness. 

Darren reflects on the positive transformations in their lives, the cohesive community they built with other foster carers, and the invaluable life lessons learned. He highlights the profound successes, such as fostering long-term connections and creating a stable, loving environment for children. 

Darren's story is a powerful testament to the incredible impact fostering has not only on the children but also on the carers themselves. Join us to be inspired by Darren's journey and explore the transformative power of foster care.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

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In this touching episode of Voices of Fostering, host Helen chats with Jo-Anne, a passionate foster carer, about her inspiring journey. Jo-Anne shares how her dream of fostering began at the age of nine, influenced by her cousin who was also a foster carer. Jo-Anne and her husband, they decided to pursue fostering during the COVID lockdown, leading to a smooth and rewarding process. Jo-Anne details the in-depth assessment and the importance of training, especially therapeutic parenting, in preparing them for fostering. She recounts the emotional experience of being approved and welcoming their first children, a sibling group of twins who have been with them for nearly five years. Jo-Anne also opens up about the lessons she has learned from fostering and the support of her own family in this journey. She advocates passionately for fostering, emphasising that anyone with the love and desire to help children can become a foster carer, regardless of their background.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]

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In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Khaira, who shares her heartfelt and insightful experiences as a birth child in a fostering family. Khaira recounts her journey from being a 12-year-old excited about her family becoming a fostering family to today, reflecting on how this unique upbringing shaped her character, values, and future aspirations. She discusses the initial challenges, the joy of welcoming new children into her home, and the invaluable life lessons learned along the way. If you're considering fostering and have birth children, Khaira's story offers a comprehensive and honest look at the positive and challenging aspects of fostering from a sibling's perspective. Join us to hear how fostering has not only enriched her life but also prepared her for a compassionate and fulfilling future.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

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In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome Hannah, SENCO and Educational Lead at  National Fostering Group. She discusses her multifaceted role in providing educational support to foster carers and young people in care. Hannah shares insights on everything from managing educational challenges across different age groups to her career journey that led her to this vital work. She explains how the team helps prevent school exclusions, supports children with special educational needs, and assists with school refusal cases. Hannah also highlights the importance of collaborative relationships and tailored strategies to ensure every young person in foster care thrives. Tune in to learn more about the unique educational support foster carers receive at National Fostering Group and how it can make a significant difference in young people's lives.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

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In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Travis, a dedicated foster carer for nearly a decade. Travis shares his transformational journey from a monotonous corporate job to providing a loving and nurturing environment for children and teenagers in foster care. Hear about the emotional and rewarding experiences he's had, the challenges and misconceptions he's faced, and the incredible impact fostering has made on his life and the lives of the children he's cared for. If you're considering fostering, Travis's story is a heartwarming and insightful testimonial on the positive change it can bring.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]

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Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we talk with Amy, a foster carer with over 11 years of experience. Amy shares her inspiring journey into fostering, influenced by her family members Celia and Terry. She provides deep insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering, from turning around the lives of children and witnessing their growth and success.Learn about the support system available for foster carers and the touching stories of the many children Amy and her husband Steve have cared for. Whether you're considering fostering or just curious, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative power of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]

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We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stories of our foster carers in our Voices of Fostering podcast, and in this episode, we take you through a day in the life of a foster carer! Host Helen sits down with Corrina, a primary school teacher who, alongside her husband, began fostering during the pandemic. They are now providing long-term care to two boys attending senior school.

In this episode, Corrina opens up about their motivations for fostering, the fostering process, and, most importantly, the everyday realities of life as a foster carer – from their morning routines to their bedtime rituals. This is a fantastic episode for anyone curious about the day-to-day life of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]

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In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Nazia, a dedicated foster carer and former social worker. Nazia shares her passionate journey about what led her to foster after 22 years in social work and her invaluable experiences as a foster carer. From helping children in school to managing the complex needs of foster kids, Nazia's story is a powerful testament to resilience, family support, and the importance of caring for others. Tune in as she discusses her transition from social work to fostering, the importance of cultural understanding in care, and her inspiring thoughts for those considering fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]

You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube