Why Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Swindon & Bristol urgently need more foster carers

Why Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Swindon & Bristol urgently need more foster carers

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. But for hundreds of children across Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Swindon, and Bristol, this security can only come when someone opens their heart, and their home, as a foster carer.

This Foster Care Fortnight, Nexus Fostering is calling on residents across the region to consider whether they could be that someone.

Why are children coming into care?

Children come into care for a variety of complex and often heart breaking reasons, none of which are their fault. Some have experienced:

• Neglect or abuse

• Parental illness or addiction

• Domestic violence in the home

• Family breakdown or instability

• Unaccompanied asylum seeking, fleeing trauma or conflict

These children may arrive in care confused, frightened, and traumatised. What they need most is consistency, care, and someone to believe in them.

What does the local picture look like?

• In Gloucestershire, the number of children in care continues to rise, with local authorities reporting over 850 children currently in care (BBC News, 2024). Recruitment of new foster carers is not keeping pace, creating pressure on the system.

• Cheltenham, as part of the Gloucestershire authority area, shares this growing need. Many children are being placed outside their communities due to a shortage of foster homes.

• In Swindon, around 300 children are in care, and 41% are placed outside the borough, often far from their schools, families, and friends (BBC News, 2024).

• In Bristol, there are over 700 children in care, and the city has faced ongoing challenges recruiting enough local foster families. Many children are placed with carers outside their home city, creating further disruption during a time of emotional instability.

What does a foster carer actually do?

Foster carers offer safe, temporary or long-term homes to children who cannot live with their birth families. But it’s about so much more than a roof over someone’s head. Foster carers:

• Help children feel secure, heard, and respected

• Support them through schooling, routines, and emotional growth

• Advocate for their needs with professionals

• Provide boundaries, warmth, and patience, especially as many children in care have experienced trauma or disruption

• Support reunification with birth families where possible, or prepare children for adoption or independent living

You don’t need to be a parent, married, or own your home to foster, just have the time, stability, and compassion to care.

Support from Nexus Fostering

We have been providing Outstanding-rated support (Ofsted) to our carers across the Southwest for over 20 years. With our Gloucester office centrally located and easily accessible from Cheltenham, Swindon, and even Bristol, we provide:

• 24/7 support from experienced social workers

• Specialist trauma-informed training

• A generous fostering allowance

• Peer support groups and family events

• An inclusive, welcoming fostering community

Nexus Fostering Gloucester Office

Unit A5, Elmbridge Court, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester, GL3 1JZ

Upcoming foster care drop-in events

If you’re curious about fostering, why not come along to a relaxed, no-pressure chat?

View our Fostering Information Drop In events near you here.

Could you be that someone?

Fostering is life changing, for the child and the carer. You’ll never be alone in the process, and you’ll be part of a team making a real difference.

Apply to start your journey today a call back here Or call 0800 389 0143 to speak with a fostering advisor.