Lee has been a dedicated foster carer for South Glos for nearly 13 years, and throughout his journey, he’s learned that fostering isn’t just about providing a safe space for children—it’s about creating a community. That’s why he helped us establish a Men’s Group, a group specifically for male foster carers. A place where they could meet, share stories, and support each other in a relaxed and friendly environment. We caught up with him to find out all about it.
Creating connection
“I was asked if I would facilitate a male foster carer group, something that would be a little different from the traditional coffee and dinner meetups that foster carers—especially women—tend to have,” says Lee.
“While those gatherings are fantastic and really important, the idea behind creating a men’s support group was to provide a space where men could get together, share experiences, and enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed and informal setting.
“The reality for many men in the fostering community is that, unlike women, we sometimes tend to internalise our challenges. We often bottle things up, and over time, that can become overwhelming. There’s no disrespect meant toward anyone; it’s simply that men sometimes need a bit more encouragement to talk about the struggles we face in our roles as foster carers.
“The purpose of this group was to create an environment where we could unwind, laugh, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges we experience.”
Shared experiences
“We aim to provide an informal gathering where we can share stories, ask questions, and have a good time. Recently, for example, we organized a Korean BBQ night—one of our most memorable events! It was a brilliant evening, filled with food, laughter, and plenty of conversation.
“It’s incredibly valuable to have a space where we can discuss issues with people who truly understand. It’s an excellent opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and get insights into best practices.
“One of the things I love most is the guest speakers we bring in. Some of whom have first-hand experience as foster carers or work in social services. They share knowledge on subjects like alcohol awareness. These sessions are fascinating and give us a chance to learn something new while having a laugh. It’s always great to hear from those who understand the fostering world and can offer helpful insights.
“Chris from the fostering team looks after organising the group, and he’s brilliant at keeping the momentum going! He’s done an outstanding job, and honestly, I can’t say enough good things about him (but don’t tell him I said that!).
“The group isn’t about heavy, serious discussions—it’s about having a laugh and enjoying each other’s company. Whether we’re chatting over curry and beer or sitting down for a steak, the focus is on building relationships. The fun, relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for men to open and share their experiences without the pressure that can sometimes come with more formal support sessions.
Men’s mentorship
“As a foster carer for nearly 13 years, I’ve learned a great deal, but I’m always looking to improve and learn more. The group is a great way to keep expanding our knowledge, particularly with advice from others who have been in similar situations. It’s not just about getting advice from experts—it’s about hearing from fellow carers who have lived through the same challenges and found ways to manage them.
“It’s incredibly helpful to hear from other current foster carers as well. Having the opportunity to speak directly to people who’ve been there and done that is invaluable. I think more men would benefit from having that kind of mentorship.
“The group isn’t just for those who have been fostering for years—it’s also a welcoming space for those who are just starting out. Some men who have been fostering for only a few weeks or months attend. It’s great to see how quickly they engage with the group and gain confidence. The experience of learning from each other, even in a social setting, is something that can’t be overstated.
“There are definitely challenges that male foster carers face that might not always be as obvious. At the end of the day, it’s all about teamwork and support. When one of us steps up, whether it’s for a practical task or emotional support, we all benefit. The more we learn from each other, the better we can provide the best care for the children we’re fostering.”
Join the Men’s Group
“I wholeheartedly recommend joining a group like this. It’s not just about meeting up for a meal or a laugh—it’s about building a community where you can learn, share, and grow. Whether you’ve been fostering for a few months or many years, there’s always something new to learn, and the connections you make are invaluable.
“If you’re interested in joining us, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet others, share experiences, and grow together as foster carers.
“Over time, the group has grown in both size and impact, and has been a great source of support for many of us. We’re constantly trying to grow the group and actively encourage new faces to join us.”
Our Men’s Group meet monthly. If you are interested in attending an event, or joining the group, email Chris Hill for details.
About Lee
Lee and his wife Marie have been fostering for the last 12 years. They have two sons, 16 and 22 who live at home. They became foster carers after feeling inspired witnessing their friends doing it. They’ve fostered around 14 children over the years. They currently have a boy and a girl living with them on a long-term basis. The couple’s motivation for fostering is that they enjoy helping other people and they say they find it very rewarding.
Support groups for foster carers
Support groups are an important part of foster carer development. We run regular groups for our foster carers. As well as being a forum to exchange views, share ideas, learn from each other and gain invaluable support from peers, support groups provide an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills.
Our support groups are run both face to face at locations across South Gloucestershire and virtually. If you’re a South Glos foster carer, you can find out more about support groups on our L&D site.
