Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer? Across Gloucestershire — from Gloucester and Cheltenham to Stroud and the surrounding towns — there’s a growing need for caring, compassionate people to open their homes and hearts to children in need of stability, safety, and love.
Why Foster Locally?
Fostering in your own community means you’re making a direct impact on the lives of children nearby. It helps keep children close to familiar surroundings — schools, friends, extended family — which is vital for their emotional well-being. Local foster carers also work closely with nearby schools and social workers, allowing for easier communication, local support groups, and training within reach.
Areas We Cover
Whether you’re in the heart of Gloucester, the town of Cheltenham, or the close-knit community of Stroud, FosteringMatters is a local fostering organisation ready to support your journey into fostering. There are children in all these areas who urgently need a safe, nurturing environment.
Foster Carer Pay and Support
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, as well as additional payments that reflect the time, energy, and commitment the role requires. Within FosteringMatterrs, this can range from £400 to £650+ per week per child depending on the child’s needs and the type of fostering you do. You’ll also receive full training, ongoing support, and planned respite breaks.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer starts with a conversation. FosteringMatters offer an informal chat where you can ask questions and learn more about what fostering involves. You don’t need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own — what matters most is your ability to provide a stable, loving environment.
Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Initial enquiry and home visit
- Application and assessment
- Training and checks
- Panel approval
- Matching with a child
The entire process typically takes a few months, but you’ll be guided every step of the way by friendly and experienced staff within FosteringMatters.
Choosing a Local Fostering Agency-Choose Fostering Matters.
Working with a fostering organisation near you means better access to support, local training events, and faster response times in emergencies. If you’re considering a change from your current organisation/agency, many carers find that switching to a more supportive local agency improves their experience dramatically.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you live in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud or anywhere in Gloucestershire and want to learn more about becoming a foster carer, reach out to us at FosteringMatters, a local fostering agency. Your decision could change a child’s life — and yours.
