Category: Progress Fostering

Our Easter bash was a riot of colour, crafts, and contagious laughter! Foster families, young people at Progress, and team members gathered in a sun‑kissed garden for: 

• Craft Corner: Glitter flew as kiddos decorated a giant “25” with personal touches—each sparkle a memory!

• Storytime & Traditions: We dove into Easter’s tales of hope, renewal, and community, then painted our own paper keepsakes to take home. 

• Giggles Galore: From egg‑and‑spoon races to impromptu dance‑offs, joy was definitely the day’s VIP guest. 

A huge high‑five to our team members, young persons and incredible foster carers—you made magic happen! Here’s to many more springs filled with friendship and fun. 

 

At Progress Fostering Service, there is a growing concern that reflects a national challenge: young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are entering residential care, not necessarily because it’s the best setting for them, but because there simply aren’t enough specialist foster carers available. 

“Some of the young people we have would be well suited to fostering placements,” says Joshua Bell, Manager at Hilton, one of Progress’ residential services. “But the situation at the moment is there’s quite a shortage of available foster placements.” 

SEND encompasses a wide spectrum. It includes learning difficulties, communication needs, and behavioural challenges. But as Josh notes, it’s not always about a diagnosed disability. “It can also be about life experience—trauma or other challenges they’ve been through. There can be special provisions needed around those experiences too.” 

The challenge is multifaceted. On one hand, residential services like Progress’ Hilton House are doing tremendous work to support children with complex needs. Staff receive regular training, adapt to each new child, and ensure the care package is as individualised as possible. Yet, despite the excellent care, residential settings cannot replace the warmth and consistency of a family home. 

“We’ve got children as young as four,” Josh explains. “And although we’re doing everything we can, we know some of them would benefit more from being in a family setting.” 

This is where the urgent need for specialist foster carers becomes evident. Progress is calling on people with empathy, energy, and patience to step forward. Contrary to common assumptions, a background in care isn’t essential. In fact, Josh himself entered care work with limited experience. “I came in fresh. I’d done a bit of domiciliary care and some university support work, but I had no idea places like this even existed.” 

Over the years, Progress has seen people from education, mental health services, and even those with just personal life experience succeed in supporting children with SEND. What matters most is the willingness to learn and the ability to adapt. 

To support a smoother transition from residential care to fostering, Progress is offering a rare opportunity: foster carers can build relationships with children before they move in. “You could do some shifts with them, get to know them, build that bond. That way, the child isn’t going into the unknown,” explains Progress’ Kirsty Somers. 

This approach isn’t just innovative—it’s compassionate. It recognises that children with SEND often struggle with change and need time to adjust. Transitioning gradually into a foster home reduces anxiety and sets the stage for a more stable placement. 

Still, it’s important to acknowledge that residential services play a crucial role. As Kirsty points out, “Fostering isn’t always the right place for a child. Sometimes a child needs support that can only be offered in a residential setting, and that’s okay.” 

But when fostering is the right path, the goal is clear: find carers who can provide not just shelter, but a sense of belonging. 

“No two days are the same,” says Josh, reflecting on his journey. “It can be tiring, but it’s always rewarding. You get out what you put in.” 

Progress is hoping more people will be inspired to put in their energy, compassion, and time. Because somewhere in a residential service, there’s a child with SEND who’s ready to come home—if only there was one waiting. 

 

Interested in becoming a specialist foster carer with Progress? Learn more at progresscare.co.uk/fostering  

 

Fostering isn’t merely about providing a roof over a child’s head. It’s about creating a nurturing, loving environment where a child can grow, heal, and thrive. For Sally Tinkler, fostering is a journey of love, patience, and resilience—one that has profoundly shaped her life and that of her family. 

Sally and her husband are foster carers with Progress, accessing round-the-clock support and community-driven approach. They currently care for a young lady who is nearly 16 years old and has complex health needs. “She’s totally dependent on us for every aspect of her life,” Sally said. Yet, the relationship is far from one-sided. “She brings a lot to us as well as what we give to her,” she explained. The experience has been deeply fulfilling, teaching them about compassion and adaptability in ways they never expected. 

When asked why she chose Progress, Sally’s answer was simple: support. “One of the main reasons is the amount of support—24 hours a day, every day of the year. There’s always someone to seek advice and support from,” she said. The sense of community within Progress has been invaluable, helping to alleviate the isolation that sometimes accompanies fostering. Regular support meetings with other carers provide a space for sharing experiences and learning from one another. 

Fostering is not without its challenges, and Sally is candid about the skills required. “Patience, the willingness to learn, and the ability to adapt your life,” she listed. She emphasised the importance of understanding that children in the care system come with complex histories. “You’ve got to be very open-minded to learning different therapeutic techniques for dealing with them. It’s not the same as having your own children,” she said. 

Sally’s journey began long before she welcomed the young lady into her home. For five years, she and her husband offered respite care, gaining experience and building confidence. But nothing could fully prepare them for the realities of long-term fostering. Their young lady has significant health challenges—she is non-verbal and relies on a feeding tube. “The training is very child-specific,” Sally noted. “Some of it you just learn as you go along.” A longer handover period from the previous care setting allowed Sally and her husband to adjust and learn. “One of the social workers said, ‘You’ll find your own way,’ and we did,” she recalled. 

The journey of fostering has also required adapting their home. When their young lady first arrived, she was small enough for Sally and her husband to carry her up and down the stairs. But as she grew, so did her needs. They transformed a reception room into a bedroom, installed ramps, and made other modifications. “My husband lost his man cave,” Sally laughed. Yet, she was determined to keep the space warm and welcoming. “We’ve managed to adapt our house to still be very much our home. I didn’t want it to end up like a medical ward,” she said. 

Financial support has been crucial in ensuring that they can meet the young lady’s needs. Progress worked with the local authority to establish a tailored financial package, supplemented by top-level disability living allowance. The allowance also covers a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. “She has her own van on the drive, which she lets us drive. She can’t reach the pedals,” Sally joked. 

But fostering isn’t just about logistics and adaptations—it’s about emotional growth and connection. Sally recalled a particularly challenging episode when their young lady fell ill. Unable to verbalise her pain, she cried continuously for days. “She was awake for four days and four nights. It was very challenging,” Sally remembered. The experience was a turning point. “We realised how much we cared because we were very worried,” she said, her voice softening. “That was the positive from it all.” 

Through the highs and lows, Sally’s journey as a foster carer with Progress has been one of learning, love, and transformation. Her story is a testament to the resilience and courage required to care for vulnerable children. It’s also a reminder that fostering is about more than giving—it’s about growing together, facing challenges, and finding joy in the smallest victories. 

For those considering fostering, Sally’s story offers a glimpse into the profound impact it can have—not just on the child but on the entire family. With Progress’s unwavering support and a community of carers to lean on, the journey, though challenging, is infinitely rewarding. 

If you’re inspired by Sally’s story and want to learn more about fostering with Progress, reach out by visiting progresscare.co.uk/fostering. Every child deserves a loving, supportive home. And as Sally’s journey shows, sometimes the love you give is only the beginning of what you receive. 

Progress Fostering Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Serena Richards as a new member of its fostering panel.

Serena brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to her new role, having journeyed from being an ex care-leaver and young mother to becoming a dedicated advocate for fostering. Her inspiring story and heartfelt commitment to supporting foster carers will bring a fresh perspective to the panel.

“I’m excited to be a part of the panel, and what I’m looking forward to is foster carers with a heart—a heart to foster,” Serena shared. “Fostering is an amazing career path. It’s more than just a job; it’s about love, support, and making a difference in a child’s life.”

Serena’s journey into advocacy began when she became a mother as a teenager. This life-changing experience gave her a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of parenting, shaping her desire to support others. “I started thinking about what I could bring to the table that would help people instead of being the person needing help,” she explained.

In her remarks following her guest speech at the recently held annual awards and lunch for Progress’ foster carers, Serena said she was inspired by the dedication and passion of the team. “Everyone’s been positive and welcoming. Hopefully, I’ve empowered them and they’ll go back feeling that they are special—because they truly are,” she said.

Progress Fostering Service is thrilled to welcome Serena to the team, where her experience, compassion, insight, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire both carers and colleagues alike. Her appointment reinforces Progress’ ongoing commitment to supporting foster carers and ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people.

About Progress Fostering Service
Progress Fostering Service is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and young people. We work closely with foster carers to ensure they receive the guidance, training, and support needed to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

For more information about Progress Fostering Service or to learn more about fostering opportunities, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering.

In a celebration marked by warmth, reflection, and gratitude, Progress Fostering Service hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony and Lunch last Friday, honouring the unwavering dedication of foster carers who continue to provide life-changing support to children and young people.

The event, held in an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation, brought together foster carers, social workers, and senior leadership to commemorate milestones, acknowledge achievements, and reinforce the importance of their shared mission.

“This has been a really nice day celebrating foster carers on their journey,” said Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. “We have foster carers who’ve reached incredible milestones—five years, ten years, fifteen years—so it was important to pause and recognise their achievements and the hard work they’ve put in.”

The event also served as a rare opportunity for carers, staff, and leadership to connect in person. “It’s a chance for people to dress up, have a day out, and feel special,” Tina added. “And more importantly, it reminds us all why we do what we do.”

A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the speech delivered by Serena Richards, a former foster child who has since transitioned to independent adulthood. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that foster carers have on young lives, especially during challenging moments.

“I think my hope for foster carers is that they take home that they’re doing a fabulous job. It’s an amazing career path to go down, and yes, it is a job, but it’s more than parenting. It’s more than finances,” she said. “Hopefully, they will take away that they are needed, they’re loved, and we appreciate them.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, she shared how becoming a mother at a young age reshaped her perspective. “I think when I became a mum, as a teenager, I started thinking, actually, there’s more to this. What can I bring to the table that’s going to help people instead of just being the person that’s been helped?” she said.

For Michelle Earp, Fostering Manager, the gathering was particularly meaningful. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged how the past six months in her role had been shaped by both challenges and positive feedback from carers.

“I think it’s been a great success,” she said. “It’s lovely to see all the foster carers together, to celebrate our greatness, and to honour Gail, who meant so much to many of us.” Gail, a long-serving carer, was remembered fondly for her kindness and generosity, leaving a lasting legacy within the Progress community.

As part of the event, foster carers were invited to share feedback on their experiences, with Michelle keen to ensure that their insights shape the future of the service. “The proof will be in the pudding,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the feedback and making sure we continue to address what carers need.”

Gemma Dugmore, Lead Support Worker, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the importance of consistency in the fostering service. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback today,” she noted.

“With Michelle stepping up as Registered Manager and new social workers coming on board, there’s a stronger sense of stability. The carers are forming connections, and that’s critical for the children we support.”

Looking ahead, Progress Fostering Service remains committed to strengthening its support structures for carers while also addressing the national foster carer shortage. Tina emphasised the importance of recruitment and training to ensure that every child in need has access to a stable and caring home.

“We need more foster carers,” she said. “There are so many children coming into the care system, and our priority is to find and support the best possible carers for them.”

Among the key initiatives moving forward will be the development of structured training pathways and greater opportunities for professional growth within the fostering community. Gemma highlighted plans to introduce training sessions led by social workers to, among other things, enhance peer support.

“It’s all about building connections and ensuring that carers have the tools they need,” she said.

As the event came to a close, the sentiment shared among attendees was one of pride, gratitude, and renewed commitment. For those who dedicate their lives to fostering, the ceremony was more than just an awards event—it was a reaffirmation of the vital role they play in shaping brighter futures.

With another year ahead, Progress Fostering Service stands poised to continue its mission, fuelled by the dedication of its carers and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a home where they can thrive.

With a splash of creativity, a dash of teamwork, and a sprinkle of joy, Progress kicked off the year in spectacular fashion—setting the stage for a 2025 filled with connection, growth, and unforgettable moments.

On 4th January, Progress Fostering Service held its first major event of the year, setting a vibrant and engaging tone for 2025. The day was a delightful mix of creativity, connection, and celebration, all centered around the theme of Chinese New Year. The event brought together children and their carers for an enriching experience that fostered joy, collaboration, and personal growth.

One of the event’s standout activities was a firework picture competition, where children used chalk on black paper to craft their own interpretations of festive fireworks. The winning artwork was particularly remarkable. A 14-year-old boy, who often rushes through tasks, poured time and thought into his piece. His depiction of the Northern Lights, combined with detailed and imaginative elements, captured everyone’s attention.

The boy’s effort was not only a testament to his creativity but also to his personal growth. Despite being a settled and well-adjusted child, this was a moment of shining potential that highlighted the importance of fostering opportunities for children to express themselves in new ways. This competition was more than just a fun exercise—it was the beginning of a year-long initiative.

The event wasn’t just about visual art. Sara, a therapist who works closely with Progress Fostering Service, facilitated a collaborative mandala project. This activity resonated particularly well with older children, who eagerly participated in designing and assembling the intricate artwork. The mandala represented unity and teamwork, as each child’s contribution came together to form a meaningful whole.

Sara also took time to conduct “drawing conversations,” a creative and non-intrusive method of engaging children individually. Through this process, she encouraged the children to express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment, fostering trust and understanding.

The event also featured activities tailored for younger children, including interactive games that encouraged patience and turn-taking. A young girl who typically struggles with focus surprised everyone with her active engagement and ability to take turns. Her progress during the session was a touching reminder of how these activities can bring out the best in children when given the right support.

Meanwhile, the older children embraced the chance to bake biscuits and cakes. This hands-on activity not only delighted their taste buds but also fostered teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. Watching them collaborate and share the fruits of their labour was a heartwarming sight.

This first event of the year set a strong foundation for what’s to come. The fostering service plans to hold similar gatherings regularly, either on Saturdays or during school breaks. February’s theme will revolve around “care and respect,” providing children with creative ways to explore these values. Special care is being taken to ensure that Valentine’s Day activities avoid any focus on romantic love, instead emphasising kindness, compassion, and the bonds that form within the fostering community.

Progress Fostering Service’s January event showcased the power of creativity, community, and care. It wasn’t just a day of fun—it was a day that strengthened relationships, inspired growth, and celebrated the individuality of each child. As the year unfolds, these events will continue to provide meaningful experiences that make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their carers.