A new campaign in Bexley is highlighting how local residents can provide the stability and care needed to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Starting Monday, 11 May, the London Borough of Bexley joins the national Foster Care Fortnight initiative to showcase the reality of modern caregiving and address the urgent need for new foster families within the community.
Led by The Fostering Network, this year’s theme, “This Is Fostering,” moves away from stereotypes to illustrate the authentic relationships and daily dedication required to support vulnerable children. The initiative serves as both a celebration of current carers and a call to action for those who have considered opening their homes but have yet to take the first step.
Key points for Bexley residents
- Campaign Dates: Foster Care Fortnight runs from 11 May to 24 May 2026.
- Event Access: A mix of online “Let’s Talk Fostering” sessions and in-person outreach events will take place across the borough.
- Support Model: Bexley utilizes the “Fostering Together” approach, emphasizing peer-led support networks.
- Eligibility: Applications are welcome from all backgrounds, regardless of marital status, home ownership, or employment situation.
Community impact of the ‘This Is Fostering’ theme
The campaign focuses on the vital role foster carers play in providing more than just a safe place to stay. It highlights the connection and emotional resilience that define the fostering experience in Bexley. For many children in the borough, a local placement means staying close to their schools, friends, and existing support networks, which is crucial for maintaining a sense of normalcy during a period of transition.
Stephen Kitchman, Director of Children’s Services at the London Borough of Bexley, noted that foster carers make an extraordinary difference every single day. He described the fortnight as a dedicated time to recognize these achievements while encouraging new residents to discover how they could change a life.
One local foster carer shared that the experience has been among the most rewarding of their life. They emphasized that providing stability and a sense of belonging changes the lives of both the child and the carer, adding that the borough’s robust support system ensures no one feels isolated in their role.
Peer support through the Fostering Together model
Fostering in Bexley has transitioned toward a relationship-centric model known as Fostering Together. This structure is designed to prevent placement breakdowns by ensuring carers have immediate access to guidance and shared experience.
Each Fostering Together community consists of approximately six to eight families who form a tight-knit network. At the center of each group is a Core Carer—an experienced foster parent who provides leadership and peer support. These Core Carers coordinate social activities and sleepovers, acting as a reliable anchor for the families within their hub. This collaborative approach ensures that even those new to fostering have a seasoned mentor to lean on during challenging times.
Local information sessions and outreach events
Throughout the two-week campaign, the borough will host several opportunities for residents to engage directly with the fostering team and current carers. These sessions are designed to provide an honest look at the responsibilities and rewards of the role.
Online “Let’s Talk Fostering” events allow for private, low-pressure environments where prospective carers can ask questions about the assessment process, financial allowances, and training. In-person outreach events will also be held at various community hubs across Bexley, offering a chance to hear first-hand accounts from those already active in the local fostering network.
Eligibility and professional support for new carers
The borough continues to seek foster carers from diverse backgrounds to match the needs of children in care. There is no “standard” profile for a carer; residents may be single, married, renting, or homeowners. The primary requirement is the ability to provide a safe and caring environment.
Bexley provides a comprehensive package for all approved carers, which includes:
- Full Professional Training: Ongoing development opportunities to build specialized skills.
- Financial Support: Allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child and a fee for the carer’s time and expertise.
- Dedicated Social Workers: Professional guidance available 24/7 to assist with any concerns.
- Community Connection: Immediate entry into the Fostering Together peer support groups.
Residents interested in attending an event or starting their fostering journey are encouraged to contact the Bexley fostering team at 020 3045 4400 during Foster Care Fortnight.
Source: London Borough of Bexley
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