Empowering young voices: Rob and Simon’s story
Date published
27 February 2026
LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week
For LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week, we’re proud to share the experience of East Midlands foster carers Rob and Simon, and how they have supported their young person to grow in confidence and use their voice.
Fostering is about more than offering a safe home it’s about creating an environment where young people feel respected, listened to, and empowered to be themselves.
Rob and Simon have always prioritised open communication in their home.
“As foster carers, we’ve tried to create a home where their thoughts and feelings are taken seriously. From early on, we encouraged open conversations and reminded them that their experiences matter.”
A key part of building confidence has been knowing when to step back.
“A big part of building confidence has been stepping back and allowing them to speak for themselves, while reassuring them that it’s okay to think differently and be heard.”
Watching their young person grow in confidence, even becoming an ambassador and speaking out for others has been incredibly rewarding.
“Seeing them become an ambassador and share their voice has been incredibly rewarding.”
For Rob and Simon, creating a safe space is about balance.
“We focus on consistency, reassurance, and respect. We make time for conversations, support them to share their views, and encourage them to think about their future and what they want from it.”
Alongside encouragement, they emphasise the importance of structure.
“Alongside this, we provide clear boundaries and structure so they feel secure as well as heard. This balance has helped them feel confident expressing themselves and exploring their ambitions.”
That sense of security is especially important for LGBTQ+ young people, who may not always have felt fully accepted in the past.
Supporting a young person who is passionate about advocating for others has also shaped Rob and Simon’s own perspective.
“We’ve learned how powerful a young person’s voice can be when they feel supported and believed in. Their passion has shown us the importance of giving young people real opportunities to be heard.”
They also recognise the importance of helping young people understand the responsibility that comes with having a voice.
“It has also reminded us that our role includes helping them understand the impact their voice can have on others, and guiding them to respect different views and choices, even when they don’t agree.”
Their advice to other foster carers is simple but powerful:
“Start by taking the time to really listen and show that what they say matters. Confidence grows when young people feel respected and taken seriously.”
They encourage carers to nurture independence while still providing reassurance.
“Encourage them to try new things, make choices, and speak up, while still providing boundaries and reassurance. Celebrate effort as much as achievement, feeling supported and valued makes a lasting difference.”
This LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week, Rob and Simon’s story reminds us how transformative a safe, affirming home can be. When young people feel heard, respected, and believed in, they don’t just find their voice, they use it to inspire others.
Fostering insights
27 February 2026
