Fostering for Wolverhampton hosts annual conference

Foster parents and social workers came together at Wolverhampton Science Park for the annual Fostering for Wolverhampton Wellbeing Conference – an event dedicated to supporting those who look after the city’s children and young people in care.

This year’s conference focused on wellbeing, recognising the emotional and physical demands of fostering and the importance of supporting foster parents so they can continue to provide safe, stable, and loving homes.

The event featured a range of sessions designed to offer practical tools, emotional support, and shared experiences. Highlights included a powerful talk on menopause and its impact on family life, including a male perspective, a breathwork reset session led by Little Earth, and an interactive workshop on stress and coping strategies delivered by Wolves Foundation.

The conference also provided a space for foster parents to connect, reflect, and feel valued – reinforcing the message that when foster parents thrive, so do the children they care for.

Alison Hinds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, opened the event, thanking foster parents for their dedication and resilience. The day was designed not only to support current foster parents but also to show potential new foster parents the strong network and resources available to them.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We know that fostering is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly demanding. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our foster parents every step of the way – through training, wellbeing support, and events like this.

“This conference is about more than just information-sharing. It’s about building confidence, strengthening connections, and showing our appreciation for the amazing work foster parents do every single day.”

Fostering for Wolverhampton welcomes foster parents from all walks of life. To foster, you must live within 20 miles of Wolverhampton, have a spare bedroom, and the time and compassion to care for a child or young person.

Foster parents receive full training, ongoing support, and a regular, tax-exempt fee and allowance. A buddy system is also in place to support new foster parents, along with regular social events and 24/7 advice.

To find out more about fostering, visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com or call the team on 01902 551133.

Attendees at this year’s Fostering for Wolverhampton Wellbeing Conference.