In March over 250 foster carers came together for the Foster Carers Conference 2026 providing a powerful and inspiring day focused on supporting children and young people.

This is the second joint conference, building on the success of last year’s event.

Organised by Mockingbird, part of Foster for East Midlands Councils, the event focused on the theme - Supporting children to thrive, because every child deserves someone who believes in them.

Carers from Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire joined forces with the Trauma Aware Care Team to learn practical, trauma-informed approaches from experts in fostering, youth justice, and education.

Helen Fearn, Therapeutic Parenting Coach and Trauma-Informed Trainer & Consultant, led inspiring talks alongside interactive breakout workshops, giving carers the chance to share ideas, build confidence and learn from each other.

A special highlight of the day was guest speaker Musharaf “Mushy” Asghar from the TV series Educating Yorkshire. Through inspiring, emotional and often humorous stories, he spoke about his personal struggles and achievements as someone with a stammer, showing how having someone believe in him changed his life.

Guest speaker Musharaf Asghar, said:

Foster carers are more than carers; they are the people who help guide a young person through life and make an incredible difference every single day.

I was fortunate to have someone like Matthew Burton in my life, and many young people will have their own ‘Matthew’ moment because of you.

You may not always hear it, but you are genuinely changing lives.

Throughout the conference, attendees connected with support organisations and explored opportunities and positive activities through a range of stalls. There was also valuable time for carers to connect with each other, catch up, and share support and experiences together.

The Mockingbird programme, led by The Fostering Network, is an award-winning model that helps foster families build strong, supportive communities. It has been a huge success across Foster for East Midlands Councils, creating a caring network where both children and carers feel supported and connected.

Andrea Dore, Mockingbird Team Manager, said:

Events like this remind us how powerful community can be. Bringing over 250 carers together in one space to connect, learn and support one another shows the strength of the fostering community across our region. Through Mockingbird, we are building lasting networks where no carer feels alone, and where children benefit from a truly connected, supportive environment. Retaining our carers is vital, and creating opportunities like this helps ensure they feel valued, supported and empowered in their role.

A foster carer attending the conference, said:

Being a foster carer can feel challenging at times, but days like this show you that you are never alone. The support and understanding in the room was incredible.

Suanne Lim, Foster for East Midlands Councils Project Board Chair, said:

This conference reflects our commitment to building strong, sustainable support for foster families across the region. When carers feel supported, children thrive. A huge thank you to all the foster carers who attended. Your commitment, care and belief in young people continues to change lives every single day.

For more information on how you can be a foster carer in your community, visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or call us at 03033 132 950.