Foster carers help launch new learning resource

1st September 2026

Foster carers from across the Southern Trust have helped create a new learning resource to strengthen working relationships between carers and the professionals who support children and young people.

The ‘Beyond Providing a Home’ resource was developed with foster carers and is based on their experiences. It aims to help staff better understand the foster carer role and work more effectively with carers.

The resource was officially launched at an event attended by foster carers, social workers and colleagues from across the Trust’s Children’s Services.

Millie Bellew, foster carer who was involved in the project said:

“We wanted to share our experiences and help people better understand what fostering is really like. Foster carers are involved in every part of a child’s life and because of that, we often get to know them in a unique way. We hope this resource helps carers and professionals understand each other better and work together for the benefit of children and young people.”

At the launch of the Southern Trust's ‘Beyond Providing a Home’ learning resource are Millie Bellew and Daniel May, foster carers who contributed to its development, alongside Director of Children and Young People’s and Women Services & Executive Director of Social Work Colm McCafferty and Non-Executive Director, Rob Lynas.

Southern Trust staff at the launch of the ‘Beyond Providing a Home’ learning resource. Developed in partnership with foster carers, the resource aims to strengthen understanding of the foster carer role and support effective partnership working.

Southern Trust staff discuss key messages from the ‘Beyond Providing a Home’ learning resource at its launch event.

Members of the Southern Trust project team who supported the development of the ‘Beyond Providing a Home’ learning resource are pictured at the launch event. The resource was developed in partnership with foster carers and is based on their experiences of fostering.

The resource includes a video in which foster carers share their experiences and highlight the importance of communication, inclusion and teamwork. It encourages staff to think about how small changes can make a positive difference to children, young people and foster families.

Ryan McNeil from the Trust’s Social Services Learning and Development Team who worked on the resource, said:

“This resource gives foster carers the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words and highlight what makes a difference when professionals and carers work well together.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped create a resource that will support learning across services.”

Colm McCafferty, Director of Children and Young People’s and Women Services & Executive Director of Social Work,

“The best learning often comes from listening to the people directly involved, and this resource gives foster carers the opportunity to share their experiences and insights.

“Foster carers do far more than provide a home. They provide stability, support and encouragement for children and young people every day, and their experience and knowledge are incredibly valuable.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in developing this resource. Their contribution will help improve practice and, most importantly, support children and young people.”

The resource will now be used across the Trust to support learning and strengthen partnership working with foster carers.