Across the North East, thousands of children rely on foster carers to provide stability, care and encouragement during difficult periods in their lives. Supporting some of those children is Fostering North East, the independent not-for-profit fostering agency operated by St Cuthbert's Care.
For more than seventy years, the agency has worked with local authorities to provide safe homes for children who cannot live with their birth families.
Through its experienced team and strong support network for carers, Fostering North East helps create the stable environments children need to build confidence and look towards the future.
We spoke to the team at Fostering North East about the agency’s history, the challenges facing fostering today and the difference foster carers can make.
Can you tell us about the history of St Cuthbert’s Care and its work with children?
St Cuthbert’s Care has supported vulnerable children since 1946, when it was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War to provide safe homes for children who had been displaced or left without stable family support.
While services have evolved, the charity’s commitment to supporting children has remained constant. Today, that legacy continues through Fostering North East and the charity’s children’s residential services.
What is Fostering North East and how does it support children?
Fostering North East is the not-for-profit fostering agency run by St Cuthbert’s Care, working with local authorities to provide homes for children who cannot live with their birth families. The agency offers long-term, short-term and respite fostering, ensuring children receive the support they need at different stages of their lives.
Foster carers provide far more than a place to stay. They offer stability and encouragement during uncertain times. Fostering North East’s experienced team supports carers through training, professional guidance and ongoing advice, helping them create nurturing environments where children can rebuild confidence and develop positive relationships.
What makes Fostering North East different?
One of the agency’s greatest strengths is its small, friendly team. Foster carers often say they value the personal support they receive. With Fostering North East, carers are not just a number – they are part of a supportive community.
Carers benefit from 24/7 support from a team they know and trust, alongside regular support groups where carers can share experiences and build strong peer networks.
Young Stars, Fostering North East’s youth group, brings together children in foster families and the birth children of foster carers, helping young people build friendships and grow in confidence.
For many carers, this close-knit support network ensures they never feel alone in the challenges and rewards of fostering.
What challenges are you currently facing in recruiting foster carers?
Like many fostering agencies across the UK, Fostering North East is experiencing a shortage of foster carers. While the need for foster homes continues to grow, fewer people are coming forward to consider fostering.
Many people assume they would not be suitable, when in reality a wide range of individuals and families could make excellent foster carers. Raising awareness about fostering is therefore more important than ever.
Do you have examples of the difference fostering can make?
Many children referred to Fostering North East arrive after experiencing significant disruption. The stability provided by foster carers can be life-changing.
Recently, one young person supported by Fostering North East was awarded a scholarship to attend Dame Allan’s School in Newcastle, an achievement reflecting both their determination and the encouragement of their foster family.
We have also supported a young person with disabilities to move on to independent supported living, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to live more independently.
Sometimes the progress is quieter. For some children, simply feeling safe and getting through the day can be a significant step forward.
What would you say to someone who has considered fostering?
Fostering is a big life decision and not everyone is ready to make that commitment straight away. But if you have ever wondered whether fostering might be right for you, we encourage you to start the conversation.
The team at Fostering North East are always happy to answer questions and explain what fostering involves.
To find out more, visit www.fosteringnortheast.org.uk or call 0191 242 4805.