The event took place today at the North Swindon supermarket, where the Council’s fostering team hosted an information stand alongside existing carers and support workers.
The campaign forms part of the national Foster Care Fortnight initiative, running from 11th to 24th May under the theme “This is Fostering”.
Council leaders say the recruitment push comes at a time of growing financial pressure on children’s services.
According to recent cabinet papers, Swindon Borough Council currently has 64 children in residential placements, costing an average of around £7,400 per child per week.
By comparison, fostering typically costs less than £1,000 per week, meaning each child supported in foster care rather than residential care could reduce costs by about £6,000 per week.
Senior officers have stressed that the issue is not simply financial, stating that fostering often delivers better outcomes by keeping children closer to schools, family connections and local support networks .
Sean Taylor, a Swindon foster carer who attended the event, said seeing children placed out of area influenced his decision to foster. He said:
“The amount of children that we have that are placed out of area really hit home. Through no fault of their own, they are placed away from their friends, their family and their support networks. Me and my wife decided, what better time to start the process than right now.”
He added:
“Seeing the changes in a young person’s life, and knowing that whatever input you’ve had has helped shape their experience, that’s valuable. Seeing a young person grow is incredibly rewarding.”
Mr Taylor also encouraged residents not to dismiss the idea of fostering. He said:
“It’s always worth enquiring, even if you don’t think you’re eligible. Whether you live on your own, or think your housing situation might stop you, just ask the question.”
Tracey Doust from the Council’s support and supervision team sought to reassure potential carers about the help available.
She said:
“You’re not on your own, basically. Alongside your supervising social worker, you have support workers helping you through the journey, introducing you to other carers, helping with practical issues and offering emotional support when needed.”
David Brookes, who stopped to speak to the team while shopping, said the conversation had encouraged him to consider fostering. He said:
“It’s something I’ve thought about for a while, but I assumed it probably wouldn’t be open to somebody like me, a man living on his own with grown-up children. Apparently that’s not the case.”
He added:
“I know there’s a need for support for children in our country as well.”
After speaking with the team, he said:
“They’ve been brilliant. They explained the process, what the need is, and answered all my questions. It’s definitely something I’ll follow up.”
Previous awareness campaigns in Swindon have already led to increased enquiries.
Figures provided by the Council show 107 enquiries were recorded in February, compared with 36 in January, 37 in December and 24 in November.
Swindon’s enquiry levels are said to be broadly in line with neighbouring areas including Somerset and Wiltshire.
The Council says it will continue investing in foster care recruitment, training and local provision to reduce reliance on costly out-of-area placements.
Residents interested in fostering can speak with the team during Foster Care Fortnight events across Swindon or visit the Council’s fostering webpages for more information.
