Fostering affects everyone in your home. Birth children often enjoy being part of a fostering family and value helping others, but it can also bring challenges and high expectations. We provide formal and informal opportunities for birth children to get together, share how they feel, and relax with people who understand their experiences. Where birth children or other household members need extra help, we can put supportive measures in place so fostering works as smoothly as possible for your family. We also support the children and young people in care directly. Our youth participation officer builds relationships with young people, gives them opportunities to share their experiences, work on independence skills, and be an active part of the agency. Each year we hold at least six events inspired by what children request - sometimes focused on skills (like baking, creative activities, online safety), and sometimes purely for fun and connection. In 2023 we introduced monthly mentor-led, peer support groups for carers. These offer a safe, non-judgement space to reflect on challenges, wellbeing, and relationships - and to recognise the great things you do.