The national awareness campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible contribution of foster carers and raises awareness of the ongoing need for more people to consider fostering. Over the two weeks, Bexley will celebrate the dedication, compassion and resilience of its foster carers, while highlighting the life‑changing impact fostering has on children and young people across the borough.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, “This Is Fostering,” aims to show what fostering truly looks like and to recognise the meaningful relationships at the heart of fostering. The theme reflects the reality of modern fostering and the vital role carers play in providing stability, care, and connection for children and young people. 

During Foster Care Fortnight, Bexley will host a series of online Let’s Talk Fostering events and in-person outreach events across the borough, creating opportunities for open and honest conversations about what fostering looks like in Bexley today. These events will give residents the chance to ask questions, hear about real experiences, and find out whether fostering could be right for them.

Stephen Kitchman, Director of Children's Services at the London Borough of Bexley, said:

Foster carers make an extraordinary difference to the lives of children and young people in Bexley every single day. Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to recognise their dedication, celebrate their achievements and encourage others to come forward and find out how they too could change a life.”

Fostering has evolved significantly in the last few years, with a stronger focus on Fostering Together. In Bexley, this approach places relationships and peer support at its core. Core carers play a vital role as support networks for fostering families, offering guidance, sharing experience and helping carers feel confident, connected and supported.

Each Fostering Together community is made up of around six to eight fostering families, forming a close‑knit network based on shared experience and mutual support. At the heart of each community is a Core Carer, an experienced foster carer who provides leadership, guidance and peer support. Core Carers coordinate social activities and sleepovers and often go above and beyond, generously giving their time and resources to help families build strong relationships and feel part of a wider fostering community.

A Bexley foster carer said:

Fostering has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. Knowing we’re giving a child stability, care, and a sense of belonging really does change lives, theirs and ours. Being part of Bexley’s fostering community means you’re never on your own; there’s always someone to talk to, learn from, and lean on.”

There continues to be a need for more local foster carers in Bexley. Fostering offers individuals and families the opportunity to make a lasting difference, with full training, financial support, and ongoing guidance provided. Foster carers come from all backgrounds, whether single or married, renting or owning a home, working or retired. What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable, and caring environment for a child or young person. 

Residents who are interested in fostering are encouraged to get involved during Foster Care Fortnight and find out more about how they can support children and young people in their local community.

For more information on our events during Foster Care Fortnight or about fostering with Bexley, please visit Foster for Bexley or give us a call on 020 3045 4400.