FosterTalk

03/09/2026

💛 September is Su***de Prevention Month

Every life matters. Every conversation matters. And sometimes, simply letting someone know that they are not alone can make a difference.

For those who have experienced care, the transition into adulthood can bring additional challenges, including loneliness, uncertainty and the loss of familiar support networks.

Recent figures published by the Department for Education make the need for continued support particularly stark.

In 2025, 112 deaths of care leavers aged 18–24 were notified to the Government. Of these, 40 were recorded as involving su***de.

Behind every statistic is a young person whose life mattered.

For foster and kinship carers, supporting a young person doesn't necessarily end when they leave care. Keeping the door open, staying connected and letting them know that someone is there can be incredibly important.

And it's important to remember that foster and kinship carers need support too.

As a FosterTalk member, you have access to a 24/7 counselling service, providing confidential emotional support whenever you need someone to talk to — day or night.

We're also proud that all of our FosterTalk Advice Line staff are Orange Button holders through the Every Life Matters programme. This means our Advice Line team has undertaken training to help them recognise when someone may be struggling with their mental health or experiencing thoughts of su***de, and to have supportive conversations about this.

This September, let's make time to ask, listen and talk.

💛 You don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes being there is the most important thing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

28/08/2026

August Bank Holiday Closure

Please note that FosterTalk offices will be closed on Monday 31st August for the Bank Holiday and will reopen on Tuesday 1st September.

Our 24-hour helplines will remain open as usual, so support is always available if you need it.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful bank holiday.

26/08/2026

💜 A tribute to Dolly Parton – thank you for believing in the power of books 📚✨

Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible legacy of Dolly Parton and her extraordinary commitment to helping children discover the joy of reading.

Through her Imagination Library, Dolly has helped put books into the hands of children who may otherwise have had fewer opportunities to build their own home library – including children in care.

Her belief is beautifully simple: every child should have the chance to experience the magic of a book.

For children in care, a book can be so much more than a story. It can be a place to escape, a chance to imagine, a way to learn, a source of comfort – and sometimes the beginning of a lifelong love of reading.

Dolly’s work has reached children across the UK, including children in care in Walsall, demonstrating the difference that access to books can make. 📖💜

From everyone at FosterTalk, thank you, Dolly, for using your platform and generosity to champion children, encourage reading and help open up a world of imagination and possibility.

Your legacy will continue through every child who picks up a book and discovers somewhere new to go. 🌟

Thank you for the stories, the imagination and the opportunities. 💜📚

25/08/2026

💙 Every care leaver should have someone in their corner

A new government review into the early deaths of young people who have left care has highlighted the profound isolation some care leavers experience as they move into adulthood.

The review sets out three key areas for change:
🏠 Better preparation for adulthood
🤝 More consistent support beyond the age of 18
👥 A stronger, better-skilled workforce supporting care leavers

In response, the Government has announced £25 million of investment this year to expand connected housing options through the Staying Close programme – helping more care leavers access safe homes alongside community, relationships and support.

The review also highlights the importance of enduring relationships and ensuring that young people leaving care aren't left feeling alone when they take their next steps into adulthood.

For foster carers, this is an important reminder of the lasting impact of the relationships we build with children and young people in our care. ❤️

📖 Read the full Government announcement and review:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/every-care-leaver-to-have-someone-in-their-corner-after-review?utm_source=chatgpt.com

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

21/08/2026

☀️ Make the most of the summer holidays with your FosterTalk membership! 🌞

Keeping children entertained over the summer can soon add up, but your FosterTalk membership gives you access to a range of exclusive discounts to help stretch your budget.

Whether you're planning family days out, grabbing a bite to eat, or looking for great savings on shopping and attractions, your member discounts can help make the holidays a little more affordable.

Log in to the Members' Area today and see how much you could save before your next adventure! 💙

18/08/2026

☀️ Planning a break this summer?

A little preparation can make all the difference.

Before you book, ask yourself:

✅ Do I have the necessary permissions to travel?
✅ Have I spoken to my supervising social worker?
✅ Is all written consent in place if travelling abroad?
✅ Are passports valid and do we need visas?
✅ Have I arranged suitable travel insurance?
✅ Have I packed medication, comfort items and important documents?
✅ Have I considered how changes in routine might affect the children in my care?
✅ Have I included the children in my care in the planning of the holiday to help them feel excited and reassured?

Whether you're heading overseas or enjoying a staycation, taking time to plan ahead can help ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip.

📖 For the full holiday checklist and practical guidance on travelling with the children in your care, check out the article in the latest edition of FosterTalk Magazine. FosterTalk members can find their digital copy in their inbox.

14/08/2026

🌟 Who deserves the spotlight this month?

Every day, incredible people across the fostering community go above and beyond to change the lives of children and young people—and we think they deserve to be recognised.

That's why we launched the FosterTalk Spotlight Awards.

Each month, we'll celebrate one outstanding individual and award them a £50 One4All voucher as a thank you for the difference they make.

💙 Nominate:
✨ A foster or kinship carer
✨ A social worker or fostering professional
✨ A support worker
✨ An inspiring young person
✨ Or even yourself!

Every nomination tells a story worth sharing, and we'd love to hear yours.

📖 You'll find full details on how to enter in Issue 24 of FosterTalk Magazine, or visit our nomination page to submit your entry today.

Together, let's shine a light on the everyday heroes of fostering. ⭐

13/08/2026

True or False? 🤔

"If you're a foster or kinship carer, you can't claim Universal Credit."

❌ False.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear, and it could mean some carers are missing out on financial support they're entitled to.

We've put together a simple guide explaining:
• How fostering affects Universal Credit
• Council Tax Support
• Common myths and the facts behind them
• Where to find further support

FosterTalk members can find the full guidance included with the email we sent last week so, check your inbox.

12/08/2026

✨ FosterTalk Office Closed Today ✨

Our office is closed today as the FosterTalk team comes together for a dedicated Staff Wellbeing Day.

Looking after the wellbeing of our team helps ensure we can continue providing the high-quality support our members rely on every day.

If you need support while our office is closed, please remember that your 24-hour membership services remain available using the telephone numbers provided in your membership information, including our out-of-hours support services.

We'll be back and ready to help tomorrow, Thursday 13th August.

Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the FosterTalk community. 💙

11/08/2026

✨ FosterTalk Office Closure Notice ✨

Tomorrow, Wednesday 12th August, the FosterTalk office will be closed while our team comes together for a dedicated Staff Wellbeing Day.

Looking after the wellbeing of our team helps ensure we can continue providing the high-quality support our members rely on every day.

If you need support while our office is closed, please remember that all of your 24-hour membership services remain available using the telephone numbers provided in your membership information, including our out-of-hours support services.

We'll be back and ready to help on the next working day.

Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the FosterTalk community. 💙