Council celebrates foster carers and the power of their relationships

Cheshire East Council is proudly celebrating Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May), the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of fostering, led by national charity, The Fostering Network.

This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Relationships’, shines a spotlight on the life-changing bonds formed between foster carers and the children they support. 

The council is calling on residents across the borough to consider becoming foster carers and help transform young lives. Foster carers provide more than just a home —they offer stability, compassion, and a foundation for children and young people to thrive. Many of our cared for children have experienced trauma or disruption in their lives and the relationships they build with their carers are often the first steps toward healing and hope. 

Throughout the fortnight, the council will be celebrating the incredible impact of these relationships and the dedicated individuals who make them possible. 

Foster carer Jo Bain said:

“I must admit I love fostering far more than I thought I was going to. It’s incredibly rewarding—every relationship you build strengthens your ability to support the young people in your care. Communication is everything. While you’re not the only person in a child’s life, you become the most important one—because you know them better than anyone else.” 

Foster carer Bird Rogers said:

“In fostering, building trust with children is vital, especially as they often arrive scared and confused with what is happening. It takes empathy, flexibility, and seeing things from their perspective. Our foster child has spina bifida and we built strong relationships with his care team, social workers and medical staff, to ensure open, honest communication and the best support for him.” 

As a lasting tribute to the borough’s foster carers, the council has planted a commemorative pear tree in their honour. A special celebration took place on Tuesday, 13 May at Queens Park in Crewe, attended by foster carers, the council leader, deputy leader, and the chair of the children and families committee. 

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said:

“Foster carers are the unsung heroes of our communities. Their compassion and commitment create safe, loving environments where children can flourish.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the amazing foster carers we have, but we always need more. Without local foster carers, children may be placed far from everything familiar —schools, friends, and family. Fostering is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, relationship status or background. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to take that first step.” 

If people are considering starting their fostering journey, they are encouraged to get in touch by visiting: 

www.foster4.co.uk 

...and emailing: 

enquiry@foster4.co.uk 

...or calling:

03456 460098.

The fostering team will be hosting events for people to learn more about fostering across the fortnight: 

• Wednesday 14 May, 9:30am-12pm - Municipal Building, Crewe, CW1 2BJ. 
• Tuesday 20 May, 1:30pm-3:30pm - Tesco, Crewe, CW1 2DD. 
• Tuesday 20 May, 4pm-6pm – Crewe Lifestyle Centre, Crewe, CW1 2BB.
• Wednesday 21 May, 10am-12pm - The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen, Knutsford, WA16 8RB.
• Wednesday 21 May, 12:30pm-2:30pm - Booths Supermarket, Knutsford, WA16 OBS.