Fostering 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?

Use our interactive map to discover the areas we cover in the South West.

Meet Our Team

Sara Gullick is the Area Manager for our fostering south west team

I joined TACT in February 2026, having previously worked across local authorities and other independent fostering agencies in the South West. Over the years I’ve held a variety of roles in safeguarding and fostering, including social worker, senior manager – as well as undertaking specialised project work. I was also a foster carer many years ago, which gives me a personal understanding of what it means to care for someone else’s child within your own home.

“TACT’s values strongly align with my own – and as a charity, I appreciate that every penny is reinvested into supporting the children and young people we care for. I’m passionate about improving outcomes for children and have particular interests in contextual safeguarding and positive leadership.”

– Sara Gullick

Meet your Fostering Recruitment Manager


Once you make a fostering enquiry with us, you’ll be connected with your local Fostering Recruitment Manager. They will be your dedicated point of contact throughout the entire process. Your Fostering Recruitment Manager is there to support you every step of the way, from answering your initial questions and helping you understand what fostering involves, to guiding you through the application and assessment stages. 



Jim Willis, TACT Fostering Recruitment Manager for the South West

“One of the things I love most about working in fostering is meeting people who are thinking about opening their homes and lives to a child. It’s a big and thoughtful decision, and I feel privileged to support people as they explore whether fostering might be right for them.”

Jim, Fostering Recruitment Manager (South West)

Read more about Jim

I’m Jim and I’m the Fostering Recruitment Manager for the South West at TACT.

I’ve worked with children, young people and families for many years across social work, youth justice and fostering services, including managing teams that support foster carers and the children placed with them. Throughout my career I’ve always been motivated by the same thing: helping children have the stability, care and opportunities they deserve.

One of the things I love most about working in fostering is meeting people who are thinking about opening their homes and lives to a child. It’s a big and thoughtful decision, and I feel privileged to support people as they explore whether fostering might be right for them.

I chose to work at TACT because it’s a charity that puts children and foster carers at the centre of everything it does. Being part of an organisation that reinvests back into support for carers and young people really matters to me.

My role is to guide and support people through the early stages of the fostering journey. The process can sometimes feel a bit daunting at first, so I always try to make it as open, honest and supportive as possible. I’m always happy to answer questions, talk things through and help people understand what the process involves so they can make the right decision for them and their family.

When you work with me, you can expect someone who will listen, be straightforward and support you every step of the way. I want people to feel comfortable, informed and encouraged as they move through the process.

Outside of work I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors, and like many of the people I speak with about fostering, I balance work and family life. I understand how important support, patience and good communication are when you’re considering something as significant as fostering.

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer, I’d really welcome the chance to speak with you and help you explore the next steps.

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Can I foster was a question Kate asked us before becoming a foster carer

Therapeutic Support Groups for South West Carers
Caring for children with complex trauma can be tough, but you’re never on your own with TACT. Our monthly Therapeutic Support Groups, led by experienced psychotherapist Ellen Maunder, offer a safe, non-judgmental space for carers to reflect, share experiences, and build trauma-informed strategies.

These sessions cover key topics like emotional regulation, routines, and self-esteem, helping carers better understand and support the children in their care. Individual consultations are also available for those needing tailored advice on specific challenges.

Rated As ‘Good’ By Ofsted

Following an inspection in April 2025, Ofsted have announced that TACT South West has been rated ‘GOOD’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.

“Foster carers support children to participate in social, leisure, and faith-based activities, in line with their wishes. In addition, children have enjoyed attending activities and events facilitated by the agency, including a residential music camp and an awards ceremony that celebrated their achievements. These activities help children to build positive memories.” – Ofsted, 2025

Foster Carer Stories


Discover what other TACT foster carers across the South West have to say about their experiences.

TACT foster carer, Dan, hiking

“I Wanted Him to Feel That This Was His Home And That He Was Safe”

TACT foster carer Dan was in the Royal Marines before deciding that he had the space, time and experience to foster.

TACT foster carers Sarah and Pete

“We feel honoured to have them as part of our life.”

Sarah & Pete were in the army before becoming foster carers. They talk about how TACT’s Making Spaces Scheme has been life changing for the young people in their care.

TACT foster carer Janita standing in her doorway

“Seeing young people regain hope. There’s nothing more rewarding.”

Janita adopts informal animal therapy approaches with the children in her care. The outcomes have been profound.


News & Updates


Keeping you connected with what’s happening in your local area.

A plane on the ground getting ready to take off

TACT’s Aspirational Fund Helps Budding Pilot To Fly

TACT’s Aspirational Fund has enabled a young person to take his first steps towards becoming a pilot in the South West.

Two of TACT's Engagement and Activity Practitioners smiling at Legoland

Legoland Visit Builds Long Lasting Friendships

Our South West team treated our fostering households to a trip to Legoland, which proved invaluable way beyond the activities and attractions!

TACT young people feeding a guinea pig

TACT Young People Attend Forest School!

We took our South West young people to school during the Easter holidays – but this wasn’t their regular school!


Fostering Information Events


Meet a TACT Foster Carer Karen event image
  • September 15, 2026
  • East Midlands, London & The South, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
  • Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Meet a TACT Foster Carer – 15th September

Hear directly from TACT Foster Carer Karen about what fostering is really like, with a Fostering Information Advisor on hand to support the session and answer questions.

Step Forward Fostering Information Session image
  • September 24, 2026
  • Virtual
  • Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Step Forward Fostering Information Session – 24th September

We’re currently looking for more Step Forward foster carers. Join our virtual information event on 24th September and find out more about this type of foster care.

Meet a TACT Foster Carer Kate event image
  • September 29, 2026
  • East Midlands, London & The South, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
  • Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Meet a TACT Foster Carer – 29th September

Hear directly from TACT Foster Carer Kate about what fostering is really like, with a Fostering Information Advisor on hand to support the session and answer questions.

Step Forward Fostering Information Session image
  • October 7, 2026
  • Virtual
  • Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Step Forward Fostering Information Session – 7th October

We’re currently looking for more Step Forward foster carers. Join our virtual information event on 7th October and find out more about this type of foster care.

Step Forward Fostering Information Session image
  • October 22, 2026
  • Virtual
  • Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Step Forward Fostering Information Session – 22nd October

We’re currently looking for more Step Forward foster carers. Join our virtual information event on 22nd October and find out more about this type of foster care.


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.

Start Your Fostering Journey



Call Us

Call our friendly fostering team to find out more.

Enquire Online

Fill in our form to receive an information pack.

Live Chat

Get answers to all of your fostering questions.

Map of the UK & Island
Find Us

Find your local fostering team today.