In Reading, we have more than 270 children and young people who need looking after. We need more local foster carers so we can keep as many of them in Reading as we can.

But why do our children need to stay in Reading?

Firstly, it’s what our children want! We take the time to listen to them and find out what’s important to them while they are in foster care. They tell us over and over again:

‘Reading is where I’ve made my memories’

‘If I was in London or somewhere, it’d be hard to come back and forth all the time to see my family and friends’

‘It’s where I’m from and it’s where I’ve been to school’

‘When I lived with a foster family outside of Reading, it got difficult to see my friends and I had to catch the train everywhere’

‘It would be better to have more foster carers in Reading so we don’t have to move away’

Staying in their hometown gives them that sense of belonging that they so desperately need. It minimises the disruption to their lives and helps them to feel rooted here.

The Rooted in Reading tree outside Reading town hall

Back in February half term, one of our young people had the fantastic idea to plant a tree in Reading to help those children who have to move away to feel ‘rooted’ here. We worked in partnership with Ethical Reading and in association with Reading Borough Council and Reading Tree Wardens to plant the tree outside Reading Town Hall and mark the occasion. The cherry blossom tree will be in full bloom now so do have a look on your daily lockdown walk! Find out more in our press release. 

…This is fostering.

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Our goal is to find more foster carers for our children and young people in Reading. How can you help? 

  • If you’d like to find out more about fostering and become a foster carer yourself, get in touch with us. Our friendly fostering team are at the other end of the line on 0118 469 3020. You can also enquire and you’ll get a call back.
  • If you’re not able to foster yourself but would like to help, you can help us spread the word.
    • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and share our posts
    • Tell someone if you think they’d be a great foster carer! This can be a family member, friend or colleague.
    • Invite someone to one of our information events.