New innovative partnership to recruit more foster carers

By Keerthana Syam

A council has teamed up with a charity to launch a new pilot project in a bid to recruit more foster carers in the borough.

The partnership with Now Foster and Greenwich council launched the project, Weekenders in March 2025.

It offers children in care a stable home to visit at weekends, helping them explore new interests, develop skills and build supportive relationships. 

The partnership is expected to recruit four weekenders over the one-year pilot.

Weekenders is set to improve the lives of children in care and strengthen the future of foster care. 

Councilor 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 want the best for all children. 

“This initiative will provide children in care with 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.”

In 2024, the council received an Outstanding Ofsted rating for its children and young people’s services. 

This new programme is part of the council’s ongoing effort to improve support for young people. 

Sara Fernandez, chief excutive of Now Foster, said: “The fostering landscape is ready for change and we hope this new model encourages 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.” 

Pictured top: Stock Image (Picture: August de Richelieu/ Pexels)