BBC Gloucestershire visits Nexus Fostering to highlight the impact of foster care

BBC Gloucestershire visits Nexus Fostering to highlight the impact of foster care

We were delighted to recently welcome a reporter from BBC Gloucestershire to our Gloucester office, where they spent the morning speaking with our team and foster carers to help raise awareness of fostering.

Encouraging conversations about fostering

During the visit, Area Manager Antony emphasised the importance of simply starting a conversation:

“You might have thought about fostering or wondered if it’s something you’d like to do. Instead of searching online, come and speak to us. There’s no commitment, it’s just about getting a feel for it and asking questions.”

Events like these are designed to provide a welcoming, informal space where people can learn more about fostering, ask questions, and explore whether it could be the right path for them.

“There’s no such thing as a daft question,” Antony added. “Fostering can bring lots of different experiences, so it’s important people feel comfortable asking anything.”

Supporting foster carers through training

The BBC team also saw first-hand the training and support available to foster carers. On the day, carers were taking part in in-house training focused on therapeutic approaches.

Antony explained how this training helps carers respond to children’s needs with empathy and understanding:

“It’s about adapting how we respond to behaviour. Children in care may have had very different experiences, so it’s important they feel safe, supported, and able to process big emotions in a secure environment.”

Real experiences from foster carers

Foster carers Nicola and Helen shared their journeys into fostering and what the experience has been like.

Nicola, a former primary school teacher, said:

“Through my role, there were many times I wished I could take children home and make a difference. It had always been in the back of my mind, and about five and a half years ago, I decided to take that step.”

Helen, who previously worked in a nursery, had a similar experience:

“I met lots of different children, including those in foster care, and that sparked my interest. My husband and I decided to take the plunge seven years ago, and we haven’t looked back.”

Both carers highlighted that while fostering can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding.

“The children come with their own experiences and challenges,” Helen explained. “It’s different to raising your own children, you need to take a more therapeutic approach. But seeing them grow and succeed is so rewarding.”

Nicola added:

“It’s about being adaptable and understanding how a child’s background can impact their behaviour. The training and support from Nexus Fostering have really helped with that.”

A strong support network

A key theme throughout the interviews was the importance of support. Foster carers spoke about the reassurance of being part of a team and having access to training, supervision, and peer networks.

“You’re not on your own,” Helen shared. “That support is always there.”

Nicola agreed, highlighting the connections built through fostering:

“It’s life-changing, not just for the young people, but for you too. The relationships you build, with other carers and staff are incredibly valuable.”

Kelly’s story: A life-changing decision

Foster carer Kelly also shared her journey, explaining how fostering came about after a simple conversation with a friend in social work.

“I hadn’t really considered fostering before, but after reaching out to Nexus Fostering and learning more, we decided to go for it.”

Now 18 months into fostering siblings, Kelly describes the experience as “absolutely brilliant.”

“Of course there are challenges, especially in the early months as children settle into routines, but the rewards are huge. You see them grow, feel safe, and become part of your family.”

Kelly also emphasised the importance of support:

“Our social worker is always there, and connecting with other foster carers has been really helpful. Having that network makes a big difference.”

Take the first step

For anyone considering fostering, the message from carers is clear, take that first step.

“Just pick up the phone or send that first email,” Helen said. “It can feel daunting, but you don’t have to be perfect. Once you start, you realise how supported you are.”

Kelly echoed this advice:

“If you’re thinking about it, just have that conversation. Everything will be explained to you, and the support is there from the very beginning.”

At Nexus Fostering, we are proud to support our carers every step of the way, helping them provide safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now could be the perfect time to find out more.