“The smallest things make the biggest difference”
Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for people to explore a fostering journey(Image: ERYC)
Foster carers in the East Riding have shared their rewarding experiences looking after children in care ahead of an annual event. Running from May 11-24 May, the theme of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 is This Is Fostering.
It aims to shine a light on the everyday experiences of fostering with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and those real moments that help children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Brian began fostering for East Riding Fostering around six months ago. He said: “I’ve worked hard throughout my career and bought my own home, which I found I was rattling around in.
“A friend suggested I look into fostering, and I’ve now been fostering a child since last November. I had fantastic support throughout the assessment period which made things a lot easier, and the fostering social worker provided lots of encouragement and help.
“The child I’m looking after enjoys the one-to-one attention and I’m here to make sure he feels safe and that his needs are met, as he grows. The smallest things make the biggest difference – we spend time playing pool or going crabbing.
“The advice I’d give is to be prepared to be a big kid again and listen to what the child’s interests are. If you can give a child a positive memory and make a difference to their life, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
Janette began providing foster care seven years ago when her children were in their late 20s. She said: “As my children got older, it felt the right time to be able to offer other children some care and stability.
“I decided respite foster care would work best for me – which means I look after children on weekends and through school holidays, which fits around my work and life.
“I look after some children regularly and I’m in contact with their full-time foster carers to ensure together we deliver a consistent routine.
“I spend most of my time doing the regular day-to-day things most families do, supporting children with a daily routine, encouraging them to get involved with things like cooking and litter picking, and visiting parks.
“There’s also a foster carer buddy system which means there’s a network of foster carers that we can ask about any challenges we might face, and other foster carers help with tips and ideas.”
This Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for people to explore a fostering journey by:
- Signing up for one of the online information events taking place on Thursday 14 May at 7pm to 8pm and Friday 22 May at 12.30pm: https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/children-and-families/fostering/#upcoming-events.
- There will be a chance to discover what fostering involves, the different options, and the children who need support.
- Attendees will be talked through the support available, payments, and the training provided to help new fosterers on every step of the way. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions.
- Visiting East Riding Fostering at Bridlington Kite Festival on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 May, 10am to 5pm, at Sewerby Cliff Top.
- Contacting East Riding Fostering for a friendly, informal chat or to request an information booklet on: (01482) 394095, via email: fosteringrecruitment@eastriding.gov.uk or follow East Riding Fostering on Facebook.
There is no ‘ideal’ type of foster carer, everyone is unique and brings their own individual experience and abilities. The most important attributes are having time, patience, a sense of humour and the ability to love.
Foster families come in all shapes and sizes, and people can decide what type of foster caring arrangements would work for them, with different types of fostering to suit different homes, family dynamics and life commitments.
People who foster for East Riding Fostering receive comprehensive support including their own dedicated social worker to provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support, training and regular social events. There are also local support groups available for foster carers and help for existing children in the family to adapt to fostering.
East Riding Fostering rates increased this year to recognise the valued role foster carers take and the financial offer for foster families is amongst the highest in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
In addition to financial allowances, families also receive contributions towards equipment and additional money on the child’s birthday and at Christmas. All members of the household also receive free membership to East Riding leisure centres and there are a number of discounts, special offers and events exclusively for East Riding foster carers.
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