Voices of Fostering

National Fostering Group

Voices of Fostering brought to you by National Fostering Group. Everyone’s life takes a different path. As children and young people decisions can be made for us that shape our lives forever – whether for good or bad. As adults, we have the opportunity to make our own choices. And what we choose can have a positive impact on us and the world around us. Particularly if one of those choices is fostering. When you listen to the stories of children and young people whose lives have been touched by foster carers, you start to see the impact that fostering can have. When you decide to foster, it’s hard to imagine just how big a difference you could make. Not just to the young people you foster, but rippling out into countless other lives. Your choice to foster could transform the life chances of some of the most vulnerable people in society. In this podcast, you’ll hear young people who were fostered, birth children and foster carers talking openly and candidly about their experiences. You’ll get to understand why fostering can be simultaneously the most rewarding and the most challenging thing you’ll ever do and why embarking on this extraordinary journey changes people forever. If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to foster, what difference it really makes, you’ll find the answers here. 

  1. 4d ago

    Tammy - How Two Girls Found Their Voice

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen is joined by Tammy — a foster carer who turned a COVID lockdown lightbulb moment into a life-changing decision for two young sisters. Four years on, Tammy shares the honest, heartwarming story of how she and her husband Matthew went from considering adoption to welcoming two long-term foster children into their home. From the nerves of that very first night, to watching a once-mute nine-year-old blossom into a confident, football-playing teenager working towards her black belt in karate — this episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when children feel safe, loved, and seen. In this episode, Tammy talks about: 🏡 Growing up with foster carer parents and what it taught her about compassion 🤝 Navigating the matching process and knowing when the fit feels right 🍕 The emotional reality of that first day — carrier bags, pizza, and tears held back 🌱 The incredible transformation she's witnessed in both girls over four years 💼 Why working full time is no barrier to fostering 💻 How one online event with the National Fostering Group started it all 💛 Whether you're curious about fostering or already on your journey, Tammy's story will leave you inspired. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

    23 min
  2. Apr 14

    Tim - A CEO's View on Foster Care

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Voices of Fostering, experienced foster carers Travis and Marisol sit down with Tim Barclay, CEO of National Fostering Group, for an honest conversation about the realities of foster care—from both sides. Discover how carer feedback shapes decisions at the highest level, why innovations like Magic Notes are transforming supervising social worker visits, and what it's like to advocate for children facing increasingly complex needs. Travis and Marisol don't hold back—they share what's working, what's challenging, and why resilience and authenticity matter so much in fostering. Tim opens up about staying grounded, the importance of support groups, and how National Fostering Group is fighting for better resources from local authorities and other health services. Key Topics: ✅ How carer feedback drives real change ✅ The game-changing Magic Notes innovation ✅ Supporting children with complex needs ✅ Navigating local authority challenges ✅ Why foster carer support groups matter ✅ What makes a great supervising social worker relationship ✅ The future of foster care support Whether you're a foster carer, thinking about fostering, or work in the care sector, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how fostering agencies can truly put carers and children first. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

    36 min

About

Voices of Fostering brought to you by National Fostering Group. Everyone’s life takes a different path. As children and young people decisions can be made for us that shape our lives forever – whether for good or bad. As adults, we have the opportunity to make our own choices. And what we choose can have a positive impact on us and the world around us. Particularly if one of those choices is fostering. When you listen to the stories of children and young people whose lives have been touched by foster carers, you start to see the impact that fostering can have. When you decide to foster, it’s hard to imagine just how big a difference you could make. Not just to the young people you foster, but rippling out into countless other lives. Your choice to foster could transform the life chances of some of the most vulnerable people in society. In this podcast, you’ll hear young people who were fostered, birth children and foster carers talking openly and candidly about their experiences. You’ll get to understand why fostering can be simultaneously the most rewarding and the most challenging thing you’ll ever do and why embarking on this extraordinary journey changes people forever. If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to foster, what difference it really makes, you’ll find the answers here. 

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