Choosing to Stand: Dan’s Fight for Better Fostering

Choosing to Stand: Dan’s Fight for Better Fostering

Host Matt interviews Dan Buxall‑Simpson, founder of Epic Family CIC and a foster parent, about his decision to step into the fostering space, the challenges of setting up Epic Fostering, and the mission behind Epic Support to provide trauma‑informed, wraparound services for children and carers in the South West. The episode explores system failures, the importance of individualised support, how a not‑for‑profit model can make a difference, and what’s next for Epic as it begins placing children and expanding mentoring and education support.

25 Years of Fostering: The Human Side of Care

In this episode the host sits with Tracy, a foster carer of 25 years, who shares the everyday realities of opening her home to children who’ve experienced trauma — the small acts of patience, the routines that help, and the deep emotional costs of saying goodbye. They also discuss the cracks in the system: overloaded social workers, inconsistent support, and the urgent need for practical, trauma-informed services so carers and children can get the help they truly need.

Rewriting Care: How Education Can Save Kids from the System

Matthew interviews Tim, founder of Three Circles fostering , they talk about failures in the care system and how prioritising education and supportive foster care can transform children’s lives. They discuss trauma, stigma, shocking costs of residential care, practical solutions (teachers in fostering services, lifelong support), and the need for systemic change to prevent homelessness, offending and poor outcomes for care-experienced young people.

From Grief to Giving: How Luna's Fund Rebuilds Families After Baby Loss

On this episode of One Set of Footprints, Amy from Luna's Fund shares her personal journey from losing her daughter Luna to founding a charity that offers practical support for families after baby loss. Luna's Fund provides relaxing getaways, food shop deliveries, nursery redecoration, private scans for pregnancy after loss, and growing support for dads — all rooted in community, compassion and hope. Amy discusses burnout, advocacy for better bereavement care, the vision for a dedicated Luna's Lodge, and a message of hope: the pain will change and healing is possible.

From Grief to Brotherhood: Ryan's Andy's Man Club Journey

Ryan shares his powerful journey from losing his stepfather at 15 to struggling with anxiety and depression, and how Andy's Man Club gave him connection, confidence, and purpose. He describes the comfort of online meetings, the support of facilitators and peers, and how speaking up transformed his mental health. This episode highlights the importance of brotherhood, destigmatizing men’s mental health, and the message that "it's okay to talk." Ryan also discusses his role as a facilitator, coping strategies like gaming and community activities, and hopes to expand support in Sheffield.