Foster Care Fortnight 2025: Celebrating the power of relationships

This year’s theme, The Power of Relationships, celebrates the vital connections that sit at the heart of every fostering journey. From the deep bonds between foster carers and children to the support of social workers, friendships within fostering communities, and relationships with birth families—these connections shape lives, create stability, and open doors to brighter futures. 

Across the fortnight, there will be celebrations for how relationships transform the lives of children and young people in care. Here in the East Midlands, organisers are shining a spotlight on powerful Fostering Moments—real stories that show just how life changing these bonds can be. 

Foster for East Midlands is a regional fostering hub, bringing together Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. Our mission is to increase the number of foster carers across the region and ensure they have the support needed to thrive in their roles. When more foster carers are available in local communities, fewer children need to be moved to unfamiliar areas, helping them maintain connections with friends, schools, and families. 

Foster carers currently look after around three-quarters of the 100,000+ children in care across the UK. Every day, they provide safe, loving, and supportive homes - and it's the relationships they build that make a lasting difference. 

Kerry and Neil are foster parents from Derbyshire. They said: "Fostering isn’t just love—it’s being a professional parent. The process was detailed but necessary. Training, especially in therapeutic parenting, helped us understand and support each child’s needs. Intuition alone isn’t enough. We’ve grown so much through fostering and feel proud to make a real difference in children’s lives." 

Pat is Derby City. They said: "Fostering has transformed my life. Over 36 years, we've welcomed countless children into our home, offering love and stability. Each child leaves a lasting impression. It's not always easy, but the joy and growth we witness make it profoundly rewarding." 

Mavis from Nottingham City added: "My fostering journey began in a one-bedroom flat, driven by a desire to help. Decades later, I’ve cared for many children who became family. Watching them succeed, stay connected, and support each other shows the power of love and stability. Fostering truly transforms lives—including your own." 

Sharnie and Zak, also from Nottingham City, said: "Fostering isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up with love. We’re new to this, learning every day, but already it’s changed us. Seeing our daughter bond with children, building trust and connection—it’s beautiful. With support from Foster for East Midlands, we know we’re never alone on this journey." 

Shelly and Lyn are from Nottinghamshire. They said: "Fostering is about making kids feel like they belong. From first trips to the seaside to Christmas presents—they’re memories that show love. Over 100 children later, some still call us grandparents. Every child we’ve cared for has left a mark on our hearts— and hopefully, we’ve done the same." 

In celebration of the relationships within our foster care community, there will be two special events for foster carers and their families to enjoy a heartwarming Fostering’s Got Talent showcase and a fun-filled family picnic. These events are a chance to come together, recognise the incredible bonds formed through fostering, and celebrate the people who make it all possible. 

Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible commitment of our foster carers across the East Midlands. Their dedication provides children and young people with the stability, care, and support they need to thrive.

"As a region, we are proud to work together through Foster for  East Midlands to raise awareness and recruit more amazing individuals to join our fostering community. Thank you to every foster carer for the life-changing difference you make.” 
Chief executive of The Fostering Network, Sarah Thomas, said:  

“Foster Care Fortnight is a time to celebrate foster carers and raise awareness of the incredible impact they have on children and young people. Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of fostering. They connect foster carers, children, families, and professionals, creating a community that surrounds children with the care they need to thrive. But with more children entering care, we urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs. 

“There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. The fostering community is made up of people from all walks of life- regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering.” 

If you’re inspired, why not consider fostering? Join the incredible network of foster carers who are changing lives across the East Midlands. Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire councils. Call 03033 132 950 or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more. 

You can get behind the campaign by sharing your support on social media, using #FCF25.

Why not attend a Foster Care information event near you?
Online Events (Zoom) - Register online at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events and a link will be sent to join the call.  

• Tuesday 13th May, 2pm – 1pm 
• Wednesday 4th June, 6:30pm – 7:30pm 
• Friday 20th June, 12pm – 1pm  

In-Person Events - Register to attend in person at: fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events 

• Thursday 22nd May, 6pm – 7:30pm - Derby Council House, Corporation Street, Alice Wheeldon Room, Derby DE1 2FS 
• Friday 13th June, 3:30pm – 7pm - Arnold Library, 161 Front St, Arnold, NG5 7EE 
• Wednesday 25th June, 6pm – 7pm - Belper Leisure Centre, John O’Gaunts Way, Belper DE56 0DA