Foster team to tour Powys this week to reach anyone interested in fostering

The first time a child laughs or opens up about their day may feel like small moments, but for foster carers across Wales, they are powerful signs of a breakthrough.

These moments show a child is beginning to feel safe, to heal, and to feel loved.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, This is Fostering, shines a spotlight on the real, lived experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children feel safe, valued and secure.

Foster carers Sandra and Jon from Powys have been caring for a young person who has lived with them for several years and is now very much part of their family.

“For us, fostering is about helping a young person feel safe enough to be themselves. The young person who lives with us is part of our family now, not just in our home, but throughout our wider family too. He’s treated as a younger brother, included in everyday moments, family jokes and shared experiences.”

“We think it’s important for him to experience real family life, the laughter, affection and even the occasional disagreement. Those everyday moments help him understand what healthy, caring relationships look like.

“Watching him grow in confidence reminds us every day why fostering matters.”

If you want to make a difference to the lives of children in Powys, chat to our fostering team as they head out and about across the county at events

They will be held at Costa Coffee in Newtown on Tuesday, May 12 from 11am until 1pm and at Morrisons Newtown from 10am until 2pm

The team will be at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells on Thursday, May 14 from 10am until 2.30pm, at Knighton Hub at the Community Centre on Tuesday, May 19 from 10am until 2pm, at Machynlleth Co-op on Wednesday, May 20 from 10am until 2pm and at Hay on Wye market on Thursday, May 21 from 9am until 2pm

Or visit fosterwales.gov.wales

Sharon Powell, Head of Children’s Services, said: “At Foster Wales Powys, we are incredibly proud of our foster carers and the vital role they play in supporting our children and young people. It is encouraging to see carers using the resources and support available to them, particularly when helping children work through complex experiences such as childhood trauma.

“Our foster carers are absolutely central to our closer to home ambition, enabling children in our care to remain within their own communities, schools and support networks wherever possible. We are wholly committed to standing alongside our carers through both the highs and the challenges of fostering, and this feedback clearly demonstrates how valued and essential local support is in helping Powys children thrive.”