Foster Care Fortnight 2026 – This is Fostering

We’re really grateful to our foster carers who’ve opened their homes and hearts to provide love, stability, and care to Barnsley’s children and young people in need.  

But many more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure every child can be matched with the right home for their individual needs, while staying close to their families, schools and communities. It gives our children in care the same opportunities and life chances as every other child. 

That’s why, from 11-24 May, we’ll be supporting The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign - a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the incredible impact of foster care, and to encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.  

The theme for this year is “This is Fostering”. 

It’s a chance for us to say a big thank you to all our foster carers for their remarkable dedication, highlight the profound impact foster carers have on children’s lives, and celebrate the skills, commitment and love they show, in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances. 

It’s also an opportunity to show people who are considering taking up this invaluable role, the process of becoming a foster carer – from the first expression of interest, through the application process and preparation training, to ongoing support, training, and financial allowances.  

We’ll be showcasing some of our Fostering Barnsley team, who will give an insight into the work they do to help foster carers succeed and ensure the best outcomes for the children in their care. 

Over the two weeks our Fostering Barnsley team will be out and about across the borough, popping up in communities, markets and local venues to chat all things fostering. Look out for their stall and have a go on their brand‑new Spin to Win wheel for the chance to win some great prizes They will also be giving away free seed packets for families to take home and grow.

The stall will be staffed between 11am and 1pm as follows:

Monday 11 May, Wombwell Library

Tuesday 12 May, Barnsley Hospital main reception

Thursday 14 May, Family Hubs at Barnsley Market

Monday 18 May, The Potting Shed, Pot House Hamlet, Silkstone

Tuesday 19 May, Locke Park Café

Thursday 21 May, Penistone Market

On Saturday 23 May, they will also be at Cannon Hall farm, from 10am to 2pm and in Glassworks Square as part of Barnsley Garden Party, between 11am and 3pm.

More information about fostering is available at Fostering Barnsley. You can also follow the Fostering Barnsley Facebook page.