The South West Fostering Podcast has joined forces with Katie Jones, Team Manager at Foster for East Midlands Councils, for a special Regional Fostering Crossover episode, shining a light on how councils can learn from each other to better support foster carers and children.

In this lively and inspiring conversation, Katie is joined by Carrie, Team Manager for Fostering South West, alongside the South West Assistant Team Manager (ATM) and Communications Lead. Together, they reflect on shared challenges, creative recruitment strategies, and how fostering varies but also unites across regions.

The episode explores key questions, such as:

  • What’s similar about fostering in different areas?
  • What creative tactics are attracting new foster carers?
  • Why does involving your whole household matter so much?
  • How can we all learn from each other’s successes?

Katie Jones said:

Collaborating with the South West team was a fantastic opportunity to share what works well in the East Midlands and to take away fresh ideas from another region. Together, we can make fostering even stronger for children and carers.

The episode highlights how sharing best practices helps councils improve recruitment strategies, reach more potential carers, and build stronger support networks for foster families.

Listen to the podcast episode on the Fostering South West YouTube channel or watch below.

Thinking about fostering?

The need for foster carers remains high across all regions of the UK. If you’re interested in making a difference in a child’s life and want to foster with your local council, the Foster for East Midlands team is here to guide you.

Foster for East Midlands Councils is a partnership between Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council, working together to recruit, train, and support foster carers across the region. By fostering with your council, you are fostering for your community — helping children stay close to their schools, friends, and extended families whenever possible.

If you live in the East Midlands and would like to know more, please get in touch, you can apply online: https://fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/become-foster-carer/apply-now/, email: info@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or call us on 03033 132 950

Watch the podcast below with Fostering South West and Foster for East Midlands Councils