There are opportunities to discuss issues and topics decided by the group, which can include having guest speakers with specialist knowledge.  

Support groups are organised regularly throughout the year. They may happen during the day or in the evening, in order to accommodate carers’ wide-ranging needs. The variety of groups on offer include:

• General fostering – a group available to all foster carers
• New foster carers – a group supporting foster carers in their first year
• Walk and talk – a group that allows an opportunity for some exercise alongside a chat
• Connected carers – a group that explores the unique challenges experienced by connected foster carers
• Men who foster – a group run by men, for men
• PACE – a group that focuses on how carers can embed PACE therapeutic parenting techniques in their day-to-day fostering
• Kids united – a group for children who are part of a fostering household, aged 8 to 11
• Inspiring youths – a group for children who are part of a fostering household, aged 12 to 17

We expect foster carers to attend at least three support group sessions per year. 

We are proud to work alongside the Swindon Foster Care Association, who also organise regular events and activities for foster carers and their families.