Groups and keeping in touch
When you start your fostering journey we provide you with lots of support and resources to help you in your role. As one of our foster carers you can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people offering a family for children who really need one. As a local authority we want to provide the best possible service to children and young people in foster care and to you as a foster carer.
Support groups
Peer support groups help our foster carers feel part of our fostering community. These groups are run by staff from the Fostering service or experienced foster carers.
The sessions are topic based and often a guest speaker will attend to focus on a specific area and provide information. We have a timetable of county-wide and online support groups.
We also offer a variety of face-to-face support groups across Lancashire and specialist groups including for new carers or parent and child carers.
Our Team Managers visit support groups every three months to gather feedback from you. We also host a Q&A with our Senior Manager every 3 months. We will listen to your views and feedback so we can improve the support we provide.
Sons and daughters: our 'supporting stars'
We recognise the importance of supporting you and your children during your fostering journey and we are proud of the support offer we have developed for sons and daughters of our foster carers - our 'supporting stars'. Activities are available each school holiday and are valued by our foster carers.
"My daughters have enjoyed 3 events recently, a bowling trip, a meal out and a picnic in the park. The group has given them an opportunity to recognise how important and special they are for being part of a fostering family. They have met other children in the same situation and been encouraged by the support workers to share their experiences and feelings openly."
Rachael, foster carer.
Enrichment programme
This is an exclusive benefits scheme for children and foster carers and their families which includes:
- Activities with the child/children in your care to support the development of nurturing
relationships and create memories together. - Benefits/treats for yourselves as a foster carer for well-deserved self-care time.
- Events during the year – for example family fun days, walks, social gatherings, and religious celebrations to recognise and celebrate the work our foster carers do.
We value all our carers and celebrate their achievements by rewarding them for their long service in fostering.
Area forums
Our Team Managers regularly meet with foster carer representatives, listening to the views of foster carers, sharing information and working together to develop our fostering community. The fostering forum representatives also attend support groups and are available for you to share your feedback.
We also run focus groups with newly approved foster carers to gather your views on your experiences pre and post approval.
Newsflash
Our monthly ‘Newsflash’ newsletter includes valuable information as well as an opportunity for foster carers to contribute advice, poems, articles, and recommendations.
We publicise the work of the fostering service along with useful information for carers through the support groups and newsletter.
Counselling services and other support
Our foster carers have access to specialist counselling services paid for by us through an independent mental health company, Wellbeing Solutions. All calls are confidential and the helpline offers counselling and advice on a variety of personal or family issues. The service is open to carers and household members ages 16+ but not children in our care. All foster carers will be provided details on accessing the scheme on approval.
Learn about our other benefits and support when you foster for Lancashire.
Get in touch
Make a difference to a child's life and foster for Lancashire.
If you'd prefer to speak to someone give us a call on:
0300 123 6723