Bury Council Launches Groundbreaking Foster Carers Hub to Support Carers and Build Community

Bury Council is proud to announce the official launch of its new Foster Carers Hub today, Friday 5 December.

Located in the Town Hall, the Hub provides a welcoming, central venue where foster and kinship carers and their families can meet, hold meetings, attend training, socialise, share experiences, and build a stronger community. There will be a daily drop-in for people interested in becoming foster carers themselves and hearing more about the contributions our foster carers make.

The launch event featured a red ribbon-cutting ceremony by Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. Guests, including foster and kinship carer families, Bury’s fostering service, the Foster Carers Association, Chief Executive Lynne Ridsdale, councillors, and senior leaders, enjoyed refreshments and a celebration cake baked for the occasion.

Keith and Helen Atkinson, one of Bury’s longest-standing foster carer couples, also attended. Their fostering journey spans more than 30 years, during which they provided loving homes to 23 vulnerable children, including teenagers and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. Recently awarded Freedom of the Borough for their contribution to young people’s lives, Keith and Helen also serve as ambassadors for Foster with Bury, supporting recruitment and mentoring.

Fostering plays a vital role in the lives of vulnerable children in Bury, offering them safe, stable, and nurturing homes. The Council is committed to valuing and supporting carers by creating an environment where they feel cared for and appreciated.

One such support is the Mockingbird Constellation programme, an innovative network that connects foster carers through a hub carer, providing guidance, social activities, and both planned and emergency care. This approach has significantly enhanced support for children and carers alike.

Bury Council also offers ongoing training and development, respite care, peer support groups, and financial assistance, including regular allowance payments for food, clothing, travel, home equipment, and activities. Eligible foster carers may receive up to a 50% council tax discount.

This blend of practical and financial support ensures carers are well-equipped and valued in their vital role.

Trevor Lane, Chair of the Foster Carers Association, said: “The Foster Carers Hub is a significant development for foster carers in Bury. It offers a welcoming space to meet, share experiences, and connect with everyone who understands the unique challenges and rewards of fostering.”

Cllr Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, commented: “We are truly grateful to all our foster carers for the vital role they play in providing safe and loving homes across our borough. The Foster Carers Hub reflects Bury’s dedicated commitment to supporting carers by offering a space and resources that help them thrive in this important work.”

The Foster Carers Hub will be open regularly with set hours for carers to visit and use the space. For more information about the Hub, fostering support, or becoming a foster carer in Bury, please contact: fosteringduty@bury.gov.uk or enquire@fosterforgm.com

The Foster Carers Hub is open for drop-in information on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9.00am -12.00pm