Fatima Whitbread joins Foster Walk Cardiff 2024

Foster Walk Cardiff brings together the fostering community and Foster Wales’ local authority fostering teams to celebrate the difference fostering makes to young people in Wales.

On Tuesday, May 21, two-time Olympic medalist and fostering campaigner Fatima Whitbread, MBE, joined The Fostering Network, Foster Wales, and Wales’ fostering community, for the Cardiff Foster Walk 2024.

Two-time Olympic medalist and fostering campaigner Fatima Whitbread, MBE, joined the Cardiff Foster Walk 2024

The walk marks part of Foster Care Fortnight™ (May 13-26 ) to celebrate Wales’ incredible fostering community and encourage more people to consider becoming local authority foster carers. In Wales, there are currently over 7,000 young people in care, but only 3,800 foster families.

World record holder and fostering campaigner Fatima Whitbread, MBE, grew up in care, and is currently campaigning for more people to come forward as foster carers to provide better outcomes for young people.

Fatima shared: “This Foster Care Fortnight I joined foster families, fostering services, supporters and friends on Foster Walks around the UK, helping to raise funds for The Fostering Network.

"I know change is possible when people come together to work for a shared vision.  Will you join me in celebrating and supporting the fostering community this Foster Care Fortnight?"

The event saw participants walk a short route around Bute Park, past Cardiff Castle, and into Cardiff City Centre, before finishing with refreshments provided by Fostering Friendly business, John Lewis. It is just one of dozens of Foster Walks happening across the UK.

Aiming to raise awareness and celebrate the difference that fostering makes for children and young people, people across the UK will also share their special #FosteringMoments.

The cookbook will be distributed to foster carers across Wales and a digital version can be downloaded 

Fatima’s pens recipe for Wales’ fostering community cookbook

As part of this year’s celebrations, Foster Wales is launching a new celeb-backed cookbook Bring something to the table – which aims to share real-life fostering moments to inspire more people to consider becoming local authority foster carers.

Fatima contributed a family cottage pie recipe to the book: “Family dinners are a great way to bring family members closer together and create a sense of togetherness. Sharing a meal can be a special time to connect and catch up. Food can be a lot of fun, whether it's trying new restaurants or hosting a cooking competition.”

Other contributors include MasterChef Winner, Wynne Evans; Young MasterChef Judge, Poppy O’Toole; cook, Colleen Ramsey, GBBO contestant Jon Jenkins, and comedian Kiri Pritchard Mclean.

More foster families are needed across Wales

Foster Wales has set out with the bold aim of recruiting over 800 new foster families by 2026, to provide welcoming homes for local children and young people.

By highlighting the simple things carers can offer - like the security of regular mealtimes, family time around the table and creating new food favourites - Foster Wales aim to show that many people already have the skills needed to support a young person through local authority fostering.

Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, said: “We like to say a huge thank you to Fatima her vital work to raise awareness of foster care.

“Across Wales, our local teams are celebrating Foster Care Fortnight, through events and initiatives which are helping to bust the myths around young people in care and who can be a foster carer. 

“We want people to know that local authority fostering is flexible, inclusive, and comes with extensive training and professional development opportunities. We’re urging anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer to get in touch with your local authority today.”

The event saw participants walk a short route around Bute Park, past Cardiff Castle, and into Cardiff City Centre

The cookbook will be distributed to foster carers across Wales and a digital version can be downloaded from: fosterwales.gov.wales/bringsomethingtothetable

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales visit fosterwales.gov.wales