• Paul - Fostering a Child with Autism
    Jun 24 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we chat with Paul, a foster carer who is just over a year into his fostering journey.

    Paul shares the motivations and inspirations that led him and his wife, Paula, to become foster carers. He discusses the challenges and adjustments they've made in their lives, especially in caring for a young boy with autism.

    Paul gets candid about the initial apprehensions, the assessment process, and how fostering has become a fulfilling part of their lives. Tune in to learn about Paul's experiences, the support systems in place, and his advice for potential foster carers.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    13 mins
  • Lloyd and Mary - Transferring to National Fostering Group
    Jun 17 2025

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    Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we speak with foster carers Lloyd and Mary about their journey since transferring to National Fostering Group. Discover what inspired them to start fostering, the challenges they've faced, and how their past careers influenced their decision. Learn about their experiences fostering children with specific needs, the support they received, and the importance of the matching process. Gain insights and advice for potential foster carers, and hear about the rewarding and life-changing impact fostering has had on Lloyd and Mary's lives.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    19 mins
  • Pat - One Year Later
    Jun 10 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we welcome back Pat, a dedicated foster carer who shares her emotional journey over the past year.

    Despite facing significant challenges, Pat's resilience and the support from her fostering agency helped her through. Pat talks about the ups and downs of fostering, including successfully integrating routines and addressing anger issues in a young boy.

    She also discusses the importance of making children feel safe and loved. Join us to hear Pat's inspiring story and learn about the realities and rewards of fostering.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    20 mins
  • Darren and Kate - Exploring the Mockingbird Program
    Jun 3 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we dive into the Mockingbird Program, an innovative fostering model based on the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. Hosts Darren, a foster carer, and Kate from Heath Farm, explain how the program works, its benefits for both children and carers, and why it has been successful for over a decade.

    Learn about the community-driven support system that provides foster families with a network of care and resources, making fostering a more enriching experience for all involved.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    14 mins
  • Ali - My Mum was fostered!
    May 27 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we sit down with Ali, a dedicated foster carer with 34 years of experience. Ali shares her journey into fostering, inspired by her mother's difficult post-war childhood in the care system.

    Her story highlights the profound importance of empathy and meticulous care in fostering, especially for children with disabilities. Ali provides insights into the challenges and rewards of fostering, the importance of managing transitions for foster children, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

    Join us to hear Ali's inspiring story and gain a deeper understanding of the world of fostering.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    22 mins
  • Tariq - Challenging Myths in the Muslim Community
    May 20 2025

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    Join us in this episode of Voices of Fostering as we talk to Tariq, a passionate foster carer with over 15 years of experience. Tariq shares his journey into fostering, influenced by his brother's long-term commitment, and the rewarding experiences of providing a loving home to vulnerable children, primarily from the Muslim community.

    Tariq also addresses the importance of raising awareness and encouraging more people, especially from diverse backgrounds, to consider fostering.

    Discover the challenges and the immense rewards that come with being a foster carer, and why a diverse group of foster carers is essential for meeting the needs of all children.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    18 mins
  • Barney - A 16-Year Reflection
    Apr 29 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Barney, a foster carer of 16 years. Barney shares his inspirational journey from being a solo carer to fostering alongside his husband. He discusses his background, the influence of his parents who also fostered, and his transition from being cabin crew to a fulfilling life in fostering.

    Barney opens up about the challenges and rewarding experiences of fostering long-term children and provides insights for those considering entering the world of fostering.

    Tune in to hear about the everyday life of a fostering household, navigating relationships, and the importance of support from fostering agencies.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    19 mins
  • Tim - My Role as a Support Worker
    Apr 22 2025

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    In this episode of Voices of Fostering, we are joined by Tim, a dedicated support worker from the National Fostering Group. Tim shares insights about his role, the challenges faced by foster children, the importance of building trust, and the immense support network available to foster carers.

    Tim also addresses common misconceptions about fostering and highlights the rewarding aspects of his job. Tune in to learn about the significant impact support workers have on the lives of foster children and the fostering community.

    If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.

    If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk

    You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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    12 mins