Peterborough City Council is urging compassionate and dedicated individuals to consider becoming foster carers and help change lives for children and young people.
Fostering offers a stable, loving environment for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families, and the council is committed to offering comprehensive tailored support to foster carers.
Sue, 66, has been fostering for 13 years and lives in Peterborough said: Being a foster carer is not about having a perfect home; it’s about having a big heart and an open mind.”
“It requires empathy, patience, resilience, and stability to children who have had a difficult start in life and helping them develop and be part of a supportive home. There are around 432 children and young people in care in Peterborough. We are committed to securing families for these children either on a short-term or long-term basis.
“You need good communication skills and a willingness to learn are really important as you will be advocating for the child’s needs and work with social workers and other professionals.”
Why Foster with Peterborough City Council?
Fostering with Peterborough City Council offers numerous benefits designed to support foster carers and ensure the best outcomes for children and young people. The council provides extensive support, including local training programs, regular supervision, and a financial allowance to cover the costs of fostering. A thoughtful matching process ensures that each child is paired with the right foster carer. Additionally, foster carers become part of a supportive community, sharing experiences and gaining strength from a network of fellow carers through support groups and local events.
Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Peterborough City Council, said: “Foster carers are the unsung heroes of our community. Their dedication and compassion provide the foundation for children to rebuild their lives and achieve their dreams. We are incredibly grateful for their contributions and are always looking for more caring individuals to join our fostering family.”
“We need to recruit 100 foster carers to help us to continue providing safe, stable and loving homes for teenagers, children with disabilities and brothers and sisters. We welcome people from all walks of life and all diverse backgrounds.”
“Please help us keep our children local. For children who are not able to live with their family, we want them to be able to retain their schools, friends, social activities and community.”
“Foster carers need to be aged 21 and over and have a spare bedroom in their home, you can be single, married, in rented accommodation, working, have a disability or in a same sex relationship, so don’t rule yourself out.”
The Impact of Fostering
Fostering is an opportunity to transform lives. By providing a safe, nurturing environment, foster carers help children and young people thrive and reach their full potential. The experience is mutually enriching, offering personal growth, fulfilment, and the chance to make a tangible difference in your local community.
Peterborough City Council is actively seeking compassionate individuals ready to open their hearts and homes to children in need. If you have ever felt the call to make a difference, now is the time to act.
For more information on how to become a foster carer, please contact Peterborough City Council’s fostering team on 01733 868686 or email fosteringteam@peterborough.gov.uk or register online at www.peterborough.gov.uk/fostering
About Peterborough City Council’s fostering service
Our fostering service aims to provide stable, loving homes for children and young people in need, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.