We’re delighted to share a new short film, which offers a genuine, heartfelt look at what fostering with South Gloucestershire Council means for the children we care for and the carers who support them. The film features Rachel, one of our dedicated foster carers, speaking openly about her experience.
Rachel says: “There are children who need to be within the care system, and during that time they get to be within a loving home and treated as a member of the family. We’re just giving them a home from home.”
This is exactly what we strive for — providing children with stability, love and a sense of belonging when they need it most.
Why keeping children local makes a difference
A key theme in the film is the importance of keeping children within their own communities. When young people stay in South Glos, they can remain close to their friends, their school, their routines and the people who matter to them. That familiarity is incredibly powerful.
We know this kind of continuity helps children feel safe, supported and grounded during challenging times.
Working together as one local team
Another important part of the film is the relationship between the carer and our social work team. Because we all work within the same local authority, communication is strong, support is consistent, and decisions are made together, with the child’s wellbeing at the centre.
Regular supervision, honest discussions and a responsive team mean carers always have someone to turn to — whether they need guidance, reassurance or practical support.
Community matters — for carers and children
We’re really proud of the fostering community we’ve built, and the film highlights just how valuable that sense of connection can be. Fostering can sometimes feel isolating, and we work hard to make sure no one feels alone.
Our events, activities and meet‑ups give carers and children opportunities to spend time together, share experiences and build friendships. It’s a space where carers support each other and children can simply have fun.
A message for anyone considering fostering
The film closes with a sincere message that we hope will resonate with anyone who has thought about fostering: “If I met somebody interested in becoming a foster carer, I would genuinely tell them to pick up the phone to South Glos and make that contact.”
If you’re curious about fostering, have questions, or simply want to explore whether it could be right for you, we’d love you to watch the film and get in touch.
Watch the film & get in touch
Our new fostering film is available now, and we hope it inspires people across South Gloucestershire to consider the difference they could make in a young person’s life.
All fostering enquiries are handled first by our partners, Fostering South West (also known as the regional hub). The hub brings together enquiries for all local authorities across the South West. They aim to contact you within two days of your enquiry for an initial chat to help you decide whether fostering is right for you. If it is, the hub passes your enquiry to us (South Gloucestershire Council), and we support you through the rest of your fostering journey.
