This week we have been highlighting the theme ‘This is Fostering’ as part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026.
This video, called ‘Fostering in one word’ sums up all different kinds of people’s experience with fostering, including children in care, foster carers, their birth children and social workers. It really does take a village!
Although born out of unfortunate circumstances, fostering can be a beautiful journey. The difference you could make to a child in care is immeasurable.
Find out more by visiting /info/130/fostering_in_bedfordshire
Foster carers play a vital role in supporting children and young people, helping them feel safe, supported and valued.
On Saturday, just before Foster Care Fortnight, we celebrated some of our foster carers at a ‘Celebration of Fostering’ event, recognising 15 households who together have given an incredible 105 years of dedicated fostering service. Read more here: /news/article/1526/foster_carers_recognised
Thank you to everyone who continues to make a difference through fostering.
Are you confused about funded childcare or not sure what support you might be entitled to? 🤔
Our Early Years and Childcare team will be visiting libraries to help families understand what's available. They can also support you with applying for childcare funding, and help you find suitable childcare options.
The sessions are free to attend, with no appointment needed, and aim to make it easier for families to access the support available to them.
Come along to one of the following sessions to find out more:
🗓️ Wednesday 3 June, from 9:30am to 11am at Biggleswade Library
🗓️ Thursday 11 June, from 2pm to 3:15pm at Sandy Library
🗓️ Friday 3 July, from 9:30am to midday at Leighton Buzzard Library
You will need to bring your National Insurance (NI) number with you, as this is required to support your application.
#Thisisfostering. This Foster Care Fortnight, we’re shining a light on our amazing local authority foster carers. Neil, Susan and their blended teenage family and their dogs started fostering when Neil realised his corporate career wasn’t giving him job satisfaction. They wondered what he could do instead. They tried fostering toddlers but soon discovered that fostering teenagers and teaching ‘adulting’ life skills is where they excel. Your family life doesn’t have to be 2.4 children perfect; foster carers and their families come in all shapes and sizes. Find out more about fostering for Central Bedfordshire Council. Visit /centralbedfordshire
#Thisisfostering. This Foster Care Fortnight, we’re shining a light on our amazing local authority foster carers. Catherine’s friends might think she’s a super mum, but she disagrees. She’s just living a normal, everyday family life with her husband and their two kids, and now their foster son as well. They were already doing family things from playing in the garden, creating Lego masterpieces, going on day trips, doing homework and playing rugby when they realised they could look after another child too. Find out more about fostering for Central Bedfordshire Council. Visit /centralbedfordshire
Funded by UKSPF government grant the Start-Up Programme, delivered with WENTA, has been a real success, supporting 266 clients in our area with 1,123 hours of support through skills sessions and one-to-one advice. The programme supported 230 enterprises with five or more hours of tailored help, helped 51 aspiring entrepreneurs become business ready, and led to the creation of 44 new businesses and 62 new jobs, delivering clear economic benefits for our communities. Hear from Mark Longman at Encore Football how the support has helped him.
At the weekend, we celebrated the remarkable contribution of foster carers in Central Bedfordshire, recognising 15 households who have collectively provided 105 years of fostering service.
We hosted an event on Saturday (9 May) at Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, with adults and children attending a Hollywood themed celebration day focused on recognising the foster carers’ commitment to supporting children and young people across the area.
The celebration also gave families an opportunity to connect and enjoy activities including a children’s entertainer, soft play and a colouring mat. All children were invited to take a sequin crown or tie to add to the glamour of the day!
15 households were recognised for milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years of fostering. Together, the awards represented 105 years of cumulative service, highlighting the lasting contribution foster carers make by providing stable, supportive and nurturing homes for children and young people.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer in Central Bedfordshire can find out more by visiting: .uk/centralbedfordshire
Today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight - this year's theme is 'This is Fostering' and there’s no better way to learn more about fostering than popping into one of our drop-ins!
Pop by tomorrow for an informal, no-pressure chat where you can ask any question, big or small. Our fostering team will be at Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Biggleswade, from 9:30am until 11:30am.
Can’t make it? Find more dates and venues at: /fostering-drop-ins
Thorn Turn household waste and trade waste facility has now reopened.
Thank you for your patience while we dealt with a mechanical issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the temporary closure.
A reminder: Temporary closure at Thorn Turn tidy tip and Trade Waste facility
We’ve had to close Thorn Turn HWRC today (Monday 11 May) owing to a broken-down compactor. This closure affects both household and trade waste.
If you already have a booking, it will be honoured once the site reopens.
Thank you for your patience while we get things back up and running. The nearest alternative site is Leighton Buzzard. Bookings can be made here: https://ow.ly/h8Qi50YXzRm
Temporary closure – Thorn Turn tidy tip and Trade Waste facility
We’ve had to close Thorn Turn HWRC today (Monday 11 May) owing to a broken-down compactor. This closure affects both household and trade waste.
If you already have a booking, it will be honoured once the site has reopened.
Thank you for your patience while we get things back up and running.
You can foster if you’ve got pets. Some children who come into care have never had a pet before. The benefits of living with a pet can be huge for children and adults.
Gary’s dog, Brody, has been a great comfort to some of the children who’ve lived with them. When they fostered a little girl with disabilities, she’d tell the dog all sorts of things that she didn’t want to share with them.
Pets can play a huge part in a foster family. Taking the dog out is a great opportunity to walk and talk with a child in your care.
Could your family foster? Find out more about fostering with your local council at /centralbedfordshire
