Greenwich signs up to weekend foster care programme
Greenwich council has teamed up with Now Foster – a new charitable enterprise made up of experienced social workers – to launch a new Weekenders pilot project in the borough.
The Royal Borough is one of the first London local authorities to be involved in the scheme.
Weekenders offer children in care a regular and stable home to visit at weekends, helping them explore new interests, develop skills, and build a supportive, long-term relationship.
The partnership launched in March and is expected to recruit four weekenders over the one-year pilot. Weekenders will help improve the lives of children in care and strengthen the future of foster care.
Cllr Adel Khaireh, cabinet member for children and young people said: “We’re one of the first councils to launch a programme like this because we’re absolutely committed to getting the best for each and every young person.
“This initiative will provide children in care with invaluable support, stability, and positive role models while also creating new pathways for people to engage with fostering.
“Young people in care deserve a whole childhood – complete with hobbies, new experiences, and opportunities to grow so they can reach their full potential.”
In 2024, the council received an Outstanding Ofsted rating for its children and young people’s services. This new programme, the council says, is part of its ongoing effort to improve support for young people.
Sara Fernandez, chief executive of Now Foster, said: “The fostering landscape is ready for change, and we hope this new model of support will encourage more people to take their first steps into fostering. From my own experience as a Weekend foster carer, I know the joy it brings, and I hope more people will experience that.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Weekender, please visit the Now Foster website to learn more. If you’re already a foster carer in Greenwich and believe your young person would benefit from the programme, you can reach out to your supervising social worker.
Picture: Pixabay/Smiling_Vivian
