Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer, but wondered what it’s really like? Now you can hear directly from the people who know best – foster carers, their families, and the professionals who support them every step of the way.
The Foster4 podcast, Let’s Chat About Fostering, is a series of honest, warm conversations that give a real insight into what fostering involves – the joys, the challenges, and the support that is available to you throughout. Each episode covers a different topic, so whatever questions you have about fostering, there’s a good chance you’ll find some answers.
You can watch and listen to all the episodes of Let’s Chat About Fostering here. Here’s what to expect:
Real stories, real voices
The podcast features foster carers, their families and the professionals who work alongside them – all talking openly and honestly about their experiences.
Nathan grew up as a foster sibling. He shares what it was like when his parents first told him they wanted to foster, the bonds he formed with the children who came to stay, and why he now wants to become a foster carer himself one day. His story is a warm reminder that fostering doesn’t just change the life of the child who comes into your home – it can enrich the whole family.
Vicky became a foster carer while raising her own children, and talks openly about how her family made it work – including how they went from a family of four to seven (eight, including Chester the dog!). If you have children at home and have wondered whether fostering could still be for you, her episode is well worth a listen.
Jayne, a Knowsley foster carer, explains why she chose to transfer from an independent fostering agency to foster directly with Knowsley Council – and why she has never looked back. It’s a thoughtful conversation that highlights some important differences many people simply aren’t aware of when they start thinking about fostering.
The support available to you
One of the things that comes through strongly across the podcast series is just how much support is available to foster carers – particularly those who foster with their local authority.
Rachel, Fostering Team Manager at Knowsley Council, features in two episodes. She explains what fostering with a local authority really means in practice: a dedicated supervising social worker who visits you regularly, 24-hour support, and direct access to the full network of professionals around every child in your care – social workers, education specialists, health professionals and more. No agency in the middle. Just people who are invested in you and the children you look after.
There is also an episode on the therapeutic support available to newly approved foster carers during their first year. Therapeutic Practitioner Mel talks honestly about the emotional side of caring for children who have experienced trauma, and why it is OK to feel tired or frustrated sometimes. Knowing that support is there can make all the difference.
The podcast also covers the Mockingbird programme – an award-winning initiative led by The Fostering Network, which brings foster families together into a community constellation. For foster carers in Knowsley, Mockingbird offers practical help, peer support and a real sense of belonging, for both the carers and the children in their care.
Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said “It’s lovely to hear why some of our foster carers got into fostering – all wanting to make a difference to a child’s life.
“It’s such a rewarding career and we’ll be with you at every step of the way, so if you do feel like you can offer a home to a child, for a short or longer-term period, please do get in touch with us today.”
Could you become a foster carer for Knowsley?
Knowsley needs more foster carers, so that local children can stay close to their schools, their friends and the places that matter to them during what can be a very difficult time in their lives.
You don’t need any special qualifications. You just need enough room in your home for a child, and the patience, love and commitment to make a difference. Age, relationship status, sexuality and whether you own or rent your home are no barrier to becoming a great foster carer. You can even foster while working full time.
In return, Knowsley offers an extensive package of support, training and development – because well-supported foster carers are the ones who thrive, and so do the children in their care.
Watch or listen now
All episodes of the Foster4 podcast are free to watch on YouTube and available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
You can find all episodes at: www.foster4.co.uk/why-us/foster4-podcast-lets-talk-fostering.
Find out more or make an enquiry today
If you’d like to find out more about fostering for Knowsley, or you’re ready to take that first step, get in touch with the team today.
Find out more by calling Foster4Knowsley for an informal chat on 03456 460098, email enquiry@foster4.co.uk or visit https://www.foster4.co.uk/knowsley/.
There’s no pressure and no commitment – just a friendly conversation about whether fostering could be right for you.