Foster Carers take leading role in This is Fostering

Residents across Cumbria are being encouraged to consider fostering as part of Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May 2026), the UK’s largest awareness-raising campaign for foster care.

This year’s theme, “This is Fostering,” shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering, highlighting the profound impact foster carers have on children and young people’s lives. It celebrates the skills, commitment and love carers show—often in incredibly challenging circumstances.

To mark the campaign, Cumbria Fostering is launching a new film featuring foster carers from across the county.

The film puts carers at the heart of the campaign, sharing honest and inspiring accounts of their experiences and offering a genuine insight into what fostering is really like.

Head teacher, Sally Linsley, from Appleby, who took part in the film, is a Shared Carer who provides shorts breaks once a month to a family with a child with a disability. She said: “Don’t be put off by thinking you have to foster full-time and do a lot all the time. You can do a little bit often and it can make a big difference."

While short term foster carer Caz Mullen, from Barrow who’s also in the new film, would encourage those thinking about fostering to take the first step during Foster Care Fortnight: “Take that jump – we need more foster carers."

With around 730 children in care and around 275 carers in Cumbria, there is a growing need for more foster carers to provide safe, stable homes for children and young people— particularly for siblings, older children and those with more complex needs.

A series of informal information events are taking place across Cumbria during Foster Care Fortnight, giving people the chance to meet foster carers and staff, ask questions and learn more in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.

Attend an upcoming event:

• Tuesday 12 May – Penrith Library, 12pm–2pm
• Wednesday 13 May – Kendal Library, 12pm–1pm
• Tuesday 19 May – Workington Library, 12pm–2pm
• Wednesday 20 May – Online event, 6pm–7pm (register via our website)
• Saturday 23 May – Furness Pride, Barrow Park, from 12pm

No booking is required for the in-person events—just come along and have a chat.

Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our foster carers, who make a life-changing difference every day. Their dedication, compassion and resilience ensure that children feel safe, supported and valued.”

Cllr Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, added: “Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to find out more. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about fostering to come along to one of our events and speak to the team.”

Fostering can make a lifelong difference to children and young people, helping them feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

For more information, visit cumbriafostering.org.uk