From fostering to community support, every role matters
Fostering is life-changing. It gives children and young people the stability, love and sense of belonging they need to thrive. For many, a foster home is the turning point that shapes their future, but becoming a foster carer isn’t possible for everyone and that’s OK. There are so many ways to make a difference; you might choose to open your home as a foster carer, offer supported lodgings to a young person preparing for independence, or volunteer as an independent visitor to provide friendship and consistency. If those options aren’t right for you, there are countless other ways to help – by sharing your time, skills, or even just spreading the word.
Children and young people need support at every stage of their journey. What part could you play?
Become a foster carer
Foster carers provide a safe, loving home for children who cannot live with their birth families. This could be for a few days, months, or even years. Foster carers receive training, ongoing support and financial allowances to help cover the costs of care.
You don’t need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own – what matters most is that you can offer stability, patience and understanding.
Offer supported lodgings
Supported lodgings is a great option if you have a spare room and want to help a young person aged 16 to 21 prepare for independence. You’ll provide a safe place to live and guidance with everyday skills like cooking, budgeting and finding work or education. It’s a flexible way to support young people who are ready to take the next step toward adulthood but still need encouragement and care.
Become an independent visitor
Not everyone can open their home, but you can still make a huge impact by volunteering as an independent visitor. This role involves spending time with a child in care – going for walks, playing sports, visiting museums or simply being a trusted friend.
Independent visitors offer consistency and friendship, helping children feel valued and connected to their community.
If opening your home isn’t possible right now, that’s OK, there are lots of other ways to help. Care is a community effort, and everyone has something valuable to offer.
Spread the word
Sometimes the simplest act – sharing information – can have the biggest impact. Every conversation, social media post or community notice could inspire someone to foster. You could follow and share our updates online to help raise awareness, display posters or leaflets in your café, shop, or community space, invite us to speak at your group or event or simply talk to people in your network.
Celebrate culture and identity
Children in care come from diverse backgrounds, and it’s vital they feel proud of who they are. Cultural activities and learning opportunities help them feel seen and celebrated. Could you offer a venue, workshop, club or class that promotes culture, identity or creativity? Maybe you run a dance group, art class or language club – your contribution could make a young person feel included
and valued.
Partner as a business or organisation
Local businesses and organisations play a vital role in supporting foster families. Could you offer discounts or services to foster carers or young people? Could you sponsor an event or donate resources to create memorable experiences? Or could you provide a space where children and carers can spend quality time together?
Why your support matters
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and proud of who they are. Fostering provides that foundation, but it takes a whole community to make it work. When you share information, offer your skills or partner with us, you’re helping create a network of care and opportunity. Even small actions- like displaying a poster or sharing a social media post – can lead to big changes. You might inspire someone to become a foster carer or give a child a chance to experience something new and exciting.
Get involved
If you’d like to learn more about fostering or explore ways to support, visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/foster
Got an idea?
The Brighton & Hove City Council Fostering Team would love to hear it. Email fosteringrecruitment@brighton-hove.gov.uk
