Area Manager Anthony speaks to BBC Radio Gloucestershire about the urgent need for foster carers
Date published
24 February 2026
24 February 2026
Anthony, Area Manager at Nexus Fostering’s Gloucester office, recently joined Nikki Price on BBC Radio Gloucestershire to talk about the growing need for foster carers across the county and how Nexus supports those who choose to take that step.
With local authorities facing increasing pressure and a shortage of in-house foster carers, independent fostering agencies like Nexus Fostering are playing a crucial role in ensuring children can stay close to their communities.
During the interview, Anthony explained how Nexus Fostering works alongside councils when additional foster homes are needed:
“We are an independent fostering agency, so often when councils haven’t got capacity within their in-house foster carers, they’ll then look for support from outside agencies. We’re one of those agencies.”
This means children in Gloucestershire who are unable to live with their families rely on foster carers recruited and supported by agencies like Nexus Fostering.
The aim is always to provide safe, stable and loving homes, ideally close to children’s schools, friends and support networks.
One of the biggest concerns people have about fostering is whether they’ll be left to cope alone. Anthony was clear in reassuring listeners that this isn’t the case.
“It’s not going to be someone dropping a child at your house and saying, ‘Right, crack on, do your best.’ It’s not that.”
From the very beginning, applicants receive comprehensive training, including learning about child trauma and what to expect from the fostering role.
“We give them significant training… and then we support them once they get approved.”
Each foster carer is allocated their own supervising social worker:
“Children have social workers, and your foster carers have a social worker called a Supervising Social Worker.”
Anthony’s team in Gloucester provides ongoing supervision, guidance and practical support, working closely with children’s social workers to ensure every child’s needs are met.
“We’re there to do supervisions, help you through difficult times, give you advice and guidance… and make sure that child or children are being really supported.”
For many people, fostering starts with a simple question: Could I do that?
Anthony explained that training is designed to build confidence rather than overwhelm:
“Once they start training and realise you’re not going to be left on your own, it builds confidence.”
Fostering is a continuous learning journey, with ongoing development and support available throughout a carer’s time with Nexus Fostering.
“It’s not like you’re completed as a foster carer — you just constantly learn.”
Like many areas across the UK, Gloucestershire is experiencing a shortage of foster carers. This can mean children being placed further away from their home communities, schools and support networks.
Recruiting more local foster carers helps:
Keep children close to family and friends
Maintain school stability
Provide continuity during an already difficult time
Reduce the need for children to move out of area
Nexus Fostering is encouraging anyone who has ever considered fostering or is simply curious to start a conversation.
As Anthony shared during the interview:
“There’s no such thing as a daft question.”
Foster carers come from all walks of life. What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, caring and stable home.
If you live in Gloucester or the surrounding areas and have ever thought about fostering, Nexus Fostering would love to hear from you.
Taking the first step doesn’t mean making a commitment, it simply means finding out more.
Because right now, local children need local homes. Come along to our monthly drop-in at Nexus Fostering, Unit A5, Elmbridge Court, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester, GL3 1JZ, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10 am–11 am, to meet our team, ask questions, and find out more!
News
24 February 2026
