This International Women’s Day (8 March), Foster for East Midlands Councils is celebrating the amazing women who open their homes and hearts to children and young people across the region. Female foster carers show courage, care, and commitment every day, helping children feel safe, confident, and loved, even when life has been difficult for them. The spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme is to support, share and “Give To Gain”. This reflects a global belief that when we give our time, care and encouragement to others, everyone benefits and communities become stronger together.
Debbie, who has always loved helping children, remembers how she felt when she was approved as a foster carer:
I’ve always had a passion for children. I couldn’t stand seeing them upset or hurt, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in their lives. I cried after panel. It was such a release — finally knowing we could make a difference for a child.
For Saira, fostering is busy and challenging, but it is also very rewarding:
Fostering is rewarding, varied, very busy, and challenging but in a good way. The support from fellow carers is exceptional and very valuable.
Valerie explains how important it is for children to feel safe and like they belong:
We found it incredibly rewarding supporting young people through important moments in their lives it’s about giving them the sense that they belong and that their experiences matter.
Lyn, who has been fostering for over 35 years with Shelley, says:
We started fostering because we wanted to help children feel loved and safe. It’s like being a big family, where everyone is welcome.
Together, they have welcomed more than 100 children into their home.
Women make up a large part of the fostering community in the East Midlands, bringing experience, dedication, and care. They help children rebuild confidence and trust, act as advocates for them in school or health settings, and make sure they feel safe and valued. Foster carers also help children stay close to the people and places they know, like their school and friends, whenever it’s the right choice for them. You don’t have to do it alone there’s a great network of local carers who offer support, advice, and encouragement, so you’ll always feel part of a team.
Katie Jones, Team Manager for Foster for East Midlands Councils, said:
Fostering demands patience, strength and kindness and our female carers embody these qualities in so many ways. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their dedication, their impact and the future opportunities they are creating for children and families across our communities. You can foster. Rule yourself in and not out. You’ll be supported every step of the way, with help from a team that knows you and the children you’ll be looking after.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, added:
Our foster carers are at the heart of helping children in the East Midlands have the best possible start in life. By fostering, you can help children stay close to home and make a real difference in their lives. We work together as one big, professional team, a family and a community so you’ll never feel alone, and you’ll have the support you need nearby.
Find out more at our information events, online or in person, by visiting our website. Anyone interested in fostering can contact Foster for East Midlands Councils on 03033 132 950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, or visit the Foster for East Midlands Councils webpage.