Swindon seeks to get more foster carers on board

More than 300 children in Swindon are currently in care, enough to fill four single‑deckers and two double‑decker buses. To highlight the scale of the issue, carers hit the road as part of a partnership between Swindon Borough Council’s fostering team and Swindon’s Bus Company.

Organised to mark Foster Care Fortnight (11-24 May) carers and bus drivers stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder among six buses, symbolising the number of children who need safe, supportive homes.

Alison Coles, Service Delivery Manager at Swindon Bus Company, said: “We’re proud to get on board with this important campaign. When you see six buses lined up and realise each one represents dozens of children needing support, it really brings the message home. We hope this encourages more people to step forward.”

Eileen, a local foster mum, added: “Fostering isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about everyday moments. Seeing the buses lined up reminded me that every child deserves a seat on a safe journey. You can be the person who helps them find their route.”

As well as providing life-changing support to children in need, an increased number of foster carers provides financial benefits to the Council. While a residential placement can cost the local authority up to £16,710 per week, a foster placement costs just over £1,100 per week.

Brenda McInerney, Director of Children’s Services at Swindon Borough Council, said: “Our foster carers change the lives of children in our community every day but we simply don’t have enough of them. With more carers, we can keep young people closer to the places and people they know, sparing them the added upheaval of moving away during an already challenging period.

“Becoming a foster carer is a big decision and it’s completely normal to want clarity before taking that step. If you’re considering it, our team can answer your questions and connect you with carers who are already making a difference locally.

“Throughout Foster Care Fortnight, the fostering team will be touring local libraries, shops and community hubs to share information, answer questions and showcase stories from Swindon residents who have already opened their homes to children.”

Residents can drop in at the following locations:

• Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at Park South Library (SN3 2LZ), from 10am until 2pm
• Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at NatWest, Town Centre (SN1 1BA), from 11am until 3pm
• Thursday, 14 May 2026 at the Co‑op, Old Town (SN1 3EG), from 11am until 3pm
• Friday, 15 May 2026 at Tesco Extra, Ocotal Way (SN1 2EH), from 11am until 3pm
• Saturday, 16 May 2026 at the Link Centre (SN5 7DL), from 9am until 1pm
• Monday, 18 May 2026 at the Outlet Village (SN2 2DY), from 10am until 3pm
• Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at Asda Walmart, Orbital (SN25 4BG), from 11am until 3pm
• Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at Morrisons, Dorcan Way (SN3 3TX), from 11am until 3pm
• Thursday, 21 May 2026 at Waitrose, Wichelstowe (SN1 7BX), from 11am until 3pm
• Friday, 22 May 2026 at Central Library (SN1 1QG), from 12pm until 4pm
• Saturday, 23 May 2026 at Parkrun, Lydiard Park (SN5 3PA), from 9am until 10:30am

Residents can learn more about fostering in Swindon by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering or calling 07917 503447.