Fostering in Gloucestershire

Foster Care in Gloucestershire

Located in the Southwest of England, encompassing Stroud, Cheltenham, and the Cotswolds to name just three of its major sites, Gloucestershire is a traditional English county where rural surroundings are integrated with the major towns and cities to create a balanced way of life for those who call the county home. Whether you commute to one of the major cities or work in one of the more local towns, Gloucestershire boasts an expansive natural presence across its landscape – with agriculture playing a big part in the rural history of the area.

As well as the countryside and unspoilt woodlands which make Gloucestershire popular with those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the county is also home to some of England’s exciting and vibrant history and attracts thousands of tourists and visitors every year to immerse themselves in the look and feel of the county.

But it’s not all unspoilt scenery and walks in the hills – Gloucestershire is renowned as a safe place to life, with its 296 primary schools and 80 secondary schools setting local children and young people up for a future of immense opportunity, whether around the surrounding areas or further afield. As well as the formal side of education, Gloucestershire is rife with lifestyle experiences and opportunities for young people of all ages, making it a prime location from which to raise children – or open your home to those who have, so far, faced more challenges than chances.

When you become a foster carer in Gloucestershire, everything that inspires you and excites you becomes shared with a young person in need. So many children in the foster care system lack the most basic support systems, leaving them vulnerable and without excitement for the future – but you can help us change that.

In March 2021 there were around 57,380 reported cases of children living with foster families – and these figures are showing no signs of decreasing. With Gloucestershire a central location in the Southwest, with close proximity to London, Wales, Bristol, and both the Southcoast and Midlands, it is one of the most in-demand locations for foster families. Could you join our network and open your home to a child or teenager in need?

This is Nick and Helen’s story.

As veteran foster carers, Nick and Helen have welcomed children and young people into their home since 2012 – when Helen was made redundant from her 9-5 and the couple decided to seek a new challenge which would put them back in touch with their roots (Nick having grown up with foster children as his parents were also foster carers).

Since 2012, the couple have supported three teenagers on long term placements, and one under respite care – helping them to deal with past trauma and embrace the potential that living in a stable home could present.

“We would describe our experience of fostering teenagers as fun, challenging and rewarding!”