A leading fostering agency is urgently appealing for more foster carers as post-pandemic demand soars

By Alexandra Causer

A leading independent fostering agency is urgently appealing for more foster carers as post-pandemic demand soars.

Banya Family Placement Agency in Herne Hill says foster carers are desperately needed as the number of children requiring safe home environments has boomed since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Founded 25 years ago by Nyasha Gwatidzo, 59, and her late husband Dr Paul Soper, Banya’s directors are all black women and 98 per cent of staff are female.

Ms Gwatidzo said: “I believe that every child deserves a loving family and Banya strive to provide a safe and secure home for children who have often suffered neglect, abuse or other trauma.

“Sadly, the number of children coming into care has increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic with more family breakdowns.”

Banya foster carer Gloria Blackburn, 73, from Wallington, has cared for more than 60 children over the last 25 years.

Mrs Blackburn said: “I’ve helped many children through trauma and bereavement from babies to younger children through to teenagers and asylum seekers.

“All the children I’ve fostered call me ‘mama’ and just one of my stand-out memories was to give a home to a young boy from Vietnam who couldn’t speak English.

“Now he is doing his A-Levels in computer science ready to go onto university.”

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, a rise in domestic violence within families and the greater requirement for support for foster carers with underlying physical and mental health issues are just two things that have led to the higher demand for carers.

To find out more visit https://www.banya.co.uk

Top image: Banya managing director Chido Poe with her mother and Banya founder Nyasha Gwatidz. Photo credit: Banya