A chat about all things fostering with some of Cheshire and Merseyside's most experienced and knowledgeable foster carers, care experienced young people, Social Workers and more. From making an initial enquiry to what it's like to foster for decades, we'll cover it all.
"It's about giving these kids a chance" In this episode we look beyond the stereotypes and assumptions and discuss the realities of opening your home to a teenager in need. Join Cheryl as she gives an honest insight into the world of fostering teenagers. From the challenges to the breakthroughs and why she recommends a drive to a well known fast food restaurant, this episode reminds us all that it's never too late to make a difference in a young person's life. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshi...
10 Mar 2026
Fostering babies
With a combined 40 plus years of fostering experience and nearly 100 fostered babies cared for between them, our guests, Ang and Peter, sit down to chat about the realities of fostering babies. From the day-to-day routines and challenges of sleep deprivation, to the emotional journey of adoption and the often continued contact thereafter, this conversation is honest, heartfelt and inspiring. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer rec...
24 Feb 2026
The voices of care experienced young people
"It was interesting for me, going into a household where there was love and care and actually having my passions nurtured and supported" Join Tyler and Rose for an open, honest and sincere conversation about their experience of foster care. Whether you simply want to understand more before making an enquiry, work in Children's Social Care or are care-experienced yourself, tune in for a conversation that challenges assumptions and shifts perspectives. Raw, reflective and at times surprising, t...
10 Feb 2026
Transferring from an Independent Fostering Agency
"From the day we moved I've always been really happy". Join Jayne and Sally as they talk honestly about why they chose to transfer to their Local Authority from an Independent Fostering Agency. From the practicalities of being part of a local network of Foster Carers, Social Workers, Education and Health Professionals and Police, to the ethical considerations behind their decision to transfer - distinctions many people simply don't realise exist and what they wish prospective Foster Carers un...
27 Jan 2026
Mockingbird
In this episode, we're talking all things Mockingbird! A pioneering, award winning programme which is led by The Fostering Network in the UK. Tune in to hear from Hub Home Carer, Craig, and Satellite Carer, Marie, who share what it's really like to be part of a Mockingbird constellation when you foster with your Local Authority in Cheshire and Merseyside. From the practical help and advice it offers to Foster Carers, to the sense of community, inclusion and understanding it brings to the chil...
13 Jan 2026
The importance of a family setting
"Don’t pre-judge what that young person may or may not have been through. The story might be very different from what you'd expect as to why they've ended up in a residential home." Many children and young people who are living in residential homes are there simply because there are not enough foster carers in their area, and many people make assumptions about young people when they hear 'residential home'. In this episode we sit down with Chantelle, Manager of The Lighthouse in Warrington, t...
30 Dec 2025
Support from your Local Authority
'Sometimes Foster Carers may just need a bit of support, they’re having a difficult day, they may say is it possible to have a visit earlier than planned and we can pop out and do that, and that support is there for you should you need it. ' There are so many benefits to fostering with your Local Authority, but having a network of support from fellow Foster Carers, Social Workers and partner agencies on your doorstep is one of the biggest advantages our Foster Carers cite as to why they foste...
16 Dec 2025
The Foster4 Therapeutic Offer
"Often, children who have experienced trauma will misunderstand your good intentions, and again that can be really exhausting" In this episode we chat with Mel, one of our Foster4 Therapeutic Practitioners who offers support to our newly approved Foster Carers throughout the first 12 months of their approval. We understand that caring for children who have experienced trauma takes patience, resilience and compassion- and that includes compassion for yourself. It's OK to feel tired. It's OK to...
2 Dec 2025
The Fostering Assessment
Did you know a fostering assessment is split into two parts? Stage 1, checks and references, and stage 2 the written assessment. In this episode we chat with Sharon and David, who explain what you should expect when going through a fostering assessment. Whether you're just starting to explore fostering or are already on your assessment journey, tune in to bust myths and understand what it takes to become an approved Foster Carer with your Local Authority. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire an...
18 Nov 2025
Initial Visits
What will they ask me? What will they think of my home? What if my past isn't perfect? It's common to have concerns when you hear the next step on your fostering journey is an initial home visit, so in this episode we sit down with Fostering Team Manager, Rachel, who explains what the real purpose of an initial visit is, what you can expect and why Local Authorities place so much importance on getting to know you, your household and your worries. This episode offers reassurance, clarity and a...
4 Nov 2025
Making an enquiry
Taking that first step to make an enquiry about becoming a Foster Carer can feel quite daunting, but our Foster4 Fostering Support Workers are here to ensure it's an easy process with no pressure, just honest, supportive and informative conversations. In this episode, we sit down and chat with Lisa and Shelley, Foster4 Fostering Support Workers and the first contact for many on their journey to foster for their Local Authority in Cheshire and Merseyside. Whether you speak to them at an event ...
21 Oct 2025
Fostering with a family
How do you navigate fostering with a family of your own? How do you start a conversation about fostering with your children? In this episode we sit down with Vicky, a Foster Carer with a young family of her own, who shares her family's experience of opening their home and hearts to fostering. This open, honest and inspiring conversation includes everything from why they decided to foster, to becoming a foster family of 7 (8 including Chester the dog!) and everything in between. ...
7 Oct 2025
The voice of a foster sibling
What's it like to be a foster sibling? How do children of foster carers feel when their parent/s say they want to foster another child? In this episode we sit down with Nathan, a birth child of foster carers who shares his experience, from his parents sitting him down to discuss the possibility of becoming a fostering family, to forming lifelong bonds as a foster sibling and why he wants to be a Foster Carer when he's old enough. This heart-warming conversation offers an honest, uplifting, an...
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