Fostering In
The South West
Regions we cover in the SOUTH WEST
Sadly, there are over 6,000 children in the South West who cannot be looked after by their own family. We are urgently recruiting more foster carers in the South West who can provide care and support to some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
With over 30 years experience in foster care, we are the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity. When you choose to foster with TACT, you will receive a generous fostering allowance, 24/7 support and access to a comprehensive training programme. Could you join our fostering South West team of carers and become a fostering family?
- Bath
- Bristol
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Gloucestershire
- North Somerset
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
Use our interactive map to discover the areas we cover in the South West.
Meet Our Team
Elaine Graham, is our Area Manager for The South West. Elaine manages a wonderful team of social workers in the area and ensures that our team of foster carers are fully supported.
The TACT South West Team are committed to supporting our foster carers and the young people in their care. The team are well-known for their outstanding therapeutic support and are dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for all those who we work with.
Within the team, we have specialised support roles including Engagement & Activity Practitioners who work directly with the young people as well as dedicated Therapeutic Worker.
Can I foster in The South West?
The first step is to check that you fulfil the basic general fostering requirements:
- Are you at least 21 years old?
- Do you have at least one spare bedroom in your home?
- Are you a full-time resident of the UK, or do you have indefinite leave to remain?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, you have fulfilled the initial criteria. We would now like to talk to you further about why you would like to become a foster carer, and ask you some more questions.
Foster carers come to us for many reasons and stay with us, because we help them do the most rewarding job in the world.
Together we transform the lives of children and young people, giving them the chance to lead happy, loving, fulfilled lives. At TACT we are more than just a fostering agency; as a charity we put our foster carers and the children they care for at the heart of everything that we do. Choosing to become a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make, and we will be by your side every step of the way making sure that you feel valued, encouraged and supported – that is why 98% of our foster carers would recommend fostering with TACT.
why foster with the South West?
- Foster Carer Buddy System.
All new TACT South West foster carers are paired with a foster carer buddy, to provide informal support and guidance. - Foster Carer Reps
Our Foster Carer Reps provide an additional voice for any fostering-related issues you may prefer not to raise directly with the team. They are fellow carers who have volunteered to support and advocate for you. - ‘Meet Your Support Team‘ events
Whether you’re newly approved or have been with us for a while, these events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with our team of Supervising Social Workers, Systemic Family Therapists, and Engagement & Activities Practitioners for additional guidance, support, and therapeutic resources. - Foster Carer Social Gatherings
A great opportunity to meet fellow carers, build friendships, share experiences and generally support one another. Our social gatherings are an excellent chance to unwind, enjoy a spot of lunch on us, you can even bring your young people along. - Support for Children and Young People.
Our team of EAP’s arrange group events for carers and young people during school holidays and provide 1:1 support for our children and young people. They also offer targeted sessions and meet-ups for specific groups, such as unaccompanied minors, and neurodivergent young people. - Supporting Your Own Children.
We understand that your own children play an important role in the fostering household. As such, our ‘Children Who Foster’ events provide your own children with an opportunity to socialise with other young people who make an amazing contribution to fostering. These activities often include trampolining, bowling, and cinema trips, as well as online support groups tailored for birth children. - Monthly Therapeutic Support
Our monthly therapeutic support groups are led by a qualified Systemic Psychotherapist, providing a non-judgmental space for foster carers to reflect on their experiences and engage in trauma-informed conversations. This group helps build resilience and understanding by discussing challenging behaviors, sharing successes, and exploring relevant topics like routines, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Additionally, individual consultations are available for deeper discussions about specific challenges and support needs. - Free Audiobooks and e-Books for Foster Carers
Our foster carers also have access to a large selection of audiobooks through our Audible account, plus access to a wide variety of e-books via the Kindle app.
Rated As ‘Outstanding’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in June 2022, Ofsted have announced that TACT South West has been rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Children build trusting and loving relationships with carers. Carers are skilled in helping children develop family-like bonds that enable them to recognise healthy relationships and trusting adults” – Ofsted, 2022
Foster Carer Stories
Discover what other TACT foster carers across the South West have to say about their experiences.
“Fostering really brings you the highest of highs”
Witnessing the change in the children, seeing their personalities develop and their confidence and trust in adults grow, is what I enjoy most about fostering. Seeing their smiling faces as we share good nights is so rewarding.
“My favourite thing about being a foster carer is seeing her smile”
After having two children of my own, along with working professionally with children and young people in a teaching capacity for many years, I wanted to become a foster carer.
Fostering Information Events
- December 3, 2024
- Somerset
- Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Somerset Fostering Information Event
TACT South West are hosting a Fostering Information Session at Time For Tea Café on Tuesday 3rd December between 11.00am – 12.00pm.
- December 20, 2024
- Weston-super-Mare
- Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Weston-super-Mare Fostering Information Event
TACT South West are hosting a Fostering Information Session at The Bay Café on Friday 20th December between 11.00am – 12.00pm.
- January 24, 2025
- Bristol
- Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bristol Fostering Information Event
TACT South West are hosting a Fostering Information Session at Bristol Jobs Fair on Friday 24th January 2025 between 10am – 1pm.
News & Updates
Keeping you connected with what’s happening in your local area.
TACT South West rated Outstanding by Ofsted
TACT South West has received the highest possible rating – Outstanding, by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) for its work with vulnerable children and young people in the South West of England.
Celebrating the achievements of male foster carers on Father’s Day
It is Father’s Day this weekend and we want to celebrate all the male foster carers who do an incredible job looking after vulnerable children.
Award ceremony celebrates young people and foster carers in the South West
TACT Bristol and South West held its annual awards at Bristol Zoo, celebrating the achievements of young people and foster carers.
TACT nominated by bank staff to receive a £1,300 grant
TACT Bristol and the South West has received a £1,300 grant from the Santander Foundation for fun activity days for fostered children. These events will help young people build skills and self-esteem through activities like arts, crafts, and kayaking. Many thanks to Santander and our supporters!
Start Your Fostering Journey
