Voices of Fostering

Tammy - How Two Girls Found Their Voice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087679/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen is joined by Tammy — a foster carer who turned a COVID lockdown lightbulb moment into a life-changing decision for two young sisters. Four years on, Tammy shares the honest, heartwarming story of how she and her husband Matthew went from considering adoption to welcoming two long-term foster children into their home. From the nerves of that very first night, to watching a once-mute nine-year-old blossom into a confident, football-playing teenager working towards her black belt in karate — this episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when children feel safe, loved, and seen. In this episode, Tammy talks about: 🏡 Growing up with foster carer parents and what it taught her about compassion 🤝 Navigating the matching process and knowing when the fit feels right 🍕 The emotional reality of that first day — carrier bags, pizza, and tears held back 🌱 The incredible transformation she's witnessed in both girls over four years 💼 Why working full time is no barrier to fostering 💻 How one online event with the National Fostering Group started it all 💛 Whether you're curious about fostering or already on your journey, Tammy's story will leave you inspired. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here [https://www.nationalfosteringgroup.co.uk/]. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk [podcast@nfa.co.uk] You can also follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nfa_fostering/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NationalFostering], Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalfosteringgroup]and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NationalFostering]

Annette - Making Home Again

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087679/fan_mail/new] After losing her husband Keith to cancer, Annette found herself in a home that felt hollow — until she made one phone call that changed everything. In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Annette, a brand-new foster carer just three months into her journey. Annette shares how grief led her to fostering, what the assessment process was really like, and how welcoming a 14-year-old into her home has brought joy, laughter, and purpose back into her life. In this episode: 💔 How Annette found fostering after bereavement 📋 What the assessment and Skills to Foster training involved 🌟 Life three months in — the highs, the challenges, and a holiday on the horizon 👨‍👩‍👧 How Annette's sister's experience as a Special Guardian inspired her 💬 Her message to anyone who feels lost and is considering fostering Whether you're thinking about fostering or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to open your heart and your home — this episode is for you. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here [https://www.nationalfosteringgroup.co.uk/]. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk [podcast@nfa.co.uk] You can also follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nfa_fostering/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NationalFostering], Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalfosteringgroup]and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NationalFostering]

Joel - Family, Firsts, and Letting Go

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087679/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Joel - who took the leap into fostering with his husband Jake after 13 years together. Joel shares the honest, emotional, and inspiring story of their journey: from navigating the approval process and welcoming two emergency placements, to taking four children on their first-ever holiday abroad. We talk about: 💛 What led Joel and his husband Jake to choose fostering over adoption or surrogacy 💙 What the assessment process is really like - and why it's less scary than you think 🌟 The highs of creating lifelong memories for children in care 💔 The heartbreak of a fostering journey ending — and how they got through it ❤️ Why Joel says fostering is "the best thing we ever did" Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, a couple, or simply someone with love to give — this episode is for you. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here [https://www.nationalfosteringgroup.co.uk/]. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk [podcast@nfa.co.uk] You can also follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nfa_fostering/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NationalFostering], Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalfosteringgroup]and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NationalFostering]

Scott - Solo, Ready, and Open to Give Back

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087679/fan_mail/new] What happens when your fostering journey takes an unexpected turn? In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Scott — a foster carer with a story of an unexpected journey to tell. Scott and his then-wife set out to foster a sibling group, got exactly what they hoped for, and were well on their way — until their marriage broke down. Rather than walk away, both chose to continue fostering as solo carers, putting the children's stability first and showing them what an amicable separation can look like. Now a Stayover (respite) carer, Scott opens up about: * Why he and his ex-wife chose to start fostering * Navigating the approval process and what to really expect * How they handled separation while keeping the children's wellbeing at the centre * What stayover fostering is and how it fits around a busy, travel-heavy career * Why he believes there's a type of fostering for everyone Whether you're curious about fostering or somewhere along your own journey, Scott's story is a powerful reminder that fostering can fit into your life — whatever it looks like. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here [https://www.nationalfosteringgroup.co.uk/]. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk [podcast@nfa.co.uk] You can also follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nfa_fostering/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NationalFostering], Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalfosteringgroup]and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NationalFostering]

Tim - A CEO's View on Foster Care

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087679/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Voices of Fostering, experienced foster carers Travis and Marisol sit down with Tim Barclay, CEO of National Fostering Group, for an honest conversation about the realities of foster care—from both sides. Discover how carer feedback shapes decisions at the highest level, why innovations like Magic Notes are transforming supervising social worker visits, and what it's like to advocate for children facing increasingly complex needs. Travis and Marisol don't hold back—they share what's working, what's challenging, and why resilience and authenticity matter so much in fostering. Tim opens up about staying grounded, the importance of support groups, and how National Fostering Group is fighting for better resources from local authorities and other health services. Key Topics: ✅ How carer feedback drives real change ✅ The game-changing Magic Notes innovation ✅ Supporting children with complex needs ✅ Navigating local authority challenges ✅ Why foster carer support groups matter ✅ What makes a great supervising social worker relationship ✅ The future of foster care support Whether you're a foster carer, thinking about fostering, or work in the care sector, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how fostering agencies can truly put carers and children first. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here [https://www.nationalfosteringgroup.co.uk/]. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk [podcast@nfa.co.uk] You can also follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nfa_fostering/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NationalFostering], Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalfosteringgroup]and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NationalFostering]