This May, Slough Children First and its fostering service, Foster with Slough, are proud to be taking part in Foster Care Fortnight.
Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising campaign for fostering, run by The Fostering Network.
This year it runs from 1-24 May, and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, is dedicated to showcasing the authentic, life-changing moments that make up a foster carer’s journey every single day, while encouraging more local people to consider opening their homes to a child in need.
As Foster Care Fortnight shines a spotlight on the vital role foster carers play in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their birth families. It is also an opportunity for local communities to learn more about fostering, hear inspiring stories, and discover how they can make a difference.
As Slough’s local authority fostering service, Foster with Slough is committed to recruiting and supporting foster carers from across the borough and surrounding areas.
Local foster carers help children stay connected to their schools, friendships, families and communities, something that can make a lasting difference during a difficult time in a child’s life.
To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, Foster with Slough is hosting a range of activities for both the public and existing foster carers, recognising the incredible dedication of its fostering community while also encouraging new enquiries from those who may be considering fostering.
Public events – come and meet us
Residents are warmly invited to attend the following public events to learn more about fostering and speak directly with the fostering team:
Monday 11 May | 10am – 3pm
Bake Sale
Observatory House, Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 1LN
Tuesday 12 May | 10am – 4pm
Fostering Information Stall
Asda, Telford Drive, Slough, SL1 9LA
Wednesday 13 May | 10:30am
Paws and Paths to Fostering – a family-friendly fostering walk
Virginia Water Lake, Windsor Great Park, TW20 0HP
A short accessible group walk (approximately 3–5km), open to foster carers, potential carers, council staff and their pets, offering a relaxed opportunity to connect with others and learn more about fostering. Confirm your place now by emailing fostering@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
Wednesday 13 May | 5:30-7pm
Fostering information session
Observatory House, Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 1LN
Come along on a virtual call to meet the fostering team and find out what fostering could look like for you. Confirm your place now by emailing fostering@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
Tuesday 19 May | 10am – 4pm
Fostering Information Stall
The Nicholson Shopping Centre, Nicholsons Ln, Maidenhead SL6 1LB
Saturday 23 May | 12pm – 4pm
Fostering Information Stall
Almost the Donkey Derby, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR
Join us at this fun local community event and learn more about fostering.
Celebrating our foster carers
Alongside public events, Foster With Slough will also be hosting several appreciation and development activities for existing foster carers throughout the fortnight, including afternoon tea, pampering sessions in partnership with Slough and Langley College, interactive online activities, and specialist training opportunities designed to support carers in their fostering journey.
These events are part of Slough’s continued commitment to recognising, celebrating and investing in the dedicated foster carers who make such a positive difference to children’s lives every day.
Could you foster?
If you have a spare room, are over 21 years old, and have the time, patience and commitment to care for a child, you could foster. There is no upper age limit for becoming a foster carer, and people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences are encouraged to enquire.
To find out more, you can contact us by telephone on 0300 131 2797, email us at fostering@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk, visit our website at www.fosterwithslough.co.uk or come along to one of the events above and speak to the team in person.
