Could you change a child’s life by becoming a foster carer?

A foster carer from West Cumbria is encouraging others to find out more about fostering by attending a local event, as part of a new Cumbria Fostering campaign launched this week.

Jim Brooks, who fosters with his partner Donna, their daughter Abigail (18) and son Daniel (16), has welcomed two brothers into their home since being approved earlier this year.

Balancing work, school runs, and family contact has been busy, but Jim says the positives far outweigh the challenges.

“We’ve built a good relationship with the boys’ birth parents, and the aim is for the boys to return to their family if possible,” said Jim. “It will be hard when they leave us, but we see ourselves as a stepping stone – keeping them safe until the next chapter of their lives.”

Jim’s advice for anyone thinking about fostering: “Go ahead. Go to an information event, check it all out. Both boys are such loving, caring kids and they deserve a chance. We wish we’d done it when we were younger, so we could’ve helped even more children out.”

Every child deserves a safe, loving home — but for many in Cumbria, life is far from stable. When families face crisis, foster carers provide security, support, and a sense of belonging.

As part of the campaign, Cumbria Fostering has released a short film, The Run, which tells the story of Tom, an 11-year-old boy whose journey from running away from danger to running with purpose shows the life-changing impact of fostering.

Watch The Run here: https://youtu.be/_yIbjXaC70o

Fostering in Cumbria is open to people from all walks of life. Carers can be single, married, or in a partnership; they may rent or own their home; and they can have children of their own or none at all. Applicants must be over 21 and have a spare room — but above all, it’s compassion, patience, and commitment that matter most.

Cumbria Fostering provides full training, financial allowances, and ongoing support to ensure carers and children thrive.

Attend an upcoming event:

• Thursday 16 October – Online information event, 6pm–7pm. Register at cumbriafostering.org.uk.
• Friday 17 October – Drop-in at Barrow Library, Duke Street, 12pm–1pm.
• Wednesday 22 October – Information stand at The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle (near Primark), 12pm–2pm.
• Saturday 25 October – Visit our stand at Penrith’s Winter Droving, 10am–3pm.
• Friday 7 November – Information stand at West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven (atrium), 12.30pm–2.30pm.

Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council, said: “Foster carers are at the heart of our work. They provide the love, guidance, and stability that many children need to flourish, and we are always looking for more people willing to step into this vital role.”

Cllr Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, added: “No two fostering journeys are the same, but the impact is always profound. The support we provide ensures carers are confident, skilled, and equipped to help children overcome difficult experiences and reach their potential.”

To learn more about fostering in Cumbria or to register your interest, visit cumbriafostering.org.uk.