Foster carers in Swindon are invited to share their favourite memories of caring for children, as part of a two-week campaign. 

The Fostering Network’s annual Foster Care Fortnight campaign will run until Sunday, May 26, with the help of Swindon Borough Council's fostering team.

Throughout the two weeks, they aim to raise awareness of how life-changing and rewarding fostering can be. 

Sandra and Resh, who have been fostering for 18 years, said: “We had a little five-year-old boy come to stay with us 18 months ago. He was in permanent flight or fight mode and he could barely write his name. He faced exclusion from school so we moved him to our local village school part time.

“Eighteen months on, he is now pretty much in full-time education. His reading is above his age, he is top of the class in maths, and his writing is exactly where it should be. He is a loving, caring, funny little boy who is living life and not just surviving.

“He is the perfect example of what good solid care can achieve. This amazing transformation is proof that good care can turn a child’s life around.”

Councillor Paul Dixon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “If you would like to find out more about starting your fostering journey, please pop along to one of our events throughout Foster Care Fortnight. You will have all of your questions answered and will get to hear more about the fantastic work our foster carers do.”

Events are being held on the following dates and places:

  • Monday, May 13 at North Swindon Library (SN25 4AN) from 2pm to 5pm

  • Wednesday, May 15 at the Co-op, Old Town (SN1 3EG) from 10am to 2pm

  • Thursday, May 16 at Asda, West Swindon (SN5 7DL) from 12pm to 4pm

  • Friday, May 17 at Tesco Extra (SN1 2EH) from 11am to 3pm

  • Saturday, May 18 at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust: Country Comes to Town event at Lydiard Park (SN5 3PA) from 10am to 4pm

  • Monday, May 20 at The Meadows (SN2 5DE) from 12pm to 2pm

  • Wednesday, May 22 in the Great Western Hospital foyer (SN3 6BB) from 11am to 3pm

  • Thursday, May 23 at Asda Walmart, Orbital Shopping Park (SN25 4BG) from 12.30pm to 4.30pm

  • Friday, May 24 at Waitrose, Wichelstowe (SN1 7BX) from 11.30am to 3.30pm

  • Saturday, May 25 at the Central Library (SN1 1QG) from 10.30am to 1.30pm