Families First Podcast hosts Louise Harkin & Jon Clayton are joined by experienced therapeutic foster parent Adele to hear about her journey into fostering, how fostering has impacted her birth children and how there is always more to learn!

With a national shortage of foster parents Foster Care Fortnight running from the 11th - 24th May 2026 is raising awareness of fostering and how people can get involved and make a significant and lasting difference to children and young people.

Contact Families First to find out more or request a free information pack: www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk info@familiesfirstfostering.com

In this episode we are joined by the founder of Brightstar - Joe Lockley to hear about how this inspiring organisation has helped thousands of young people to overcome many challenges and access education.

Brightstar: Changing lives through boxing, education and mentoring.

We know the massive difference boxing, mentoring, education and community support can make when it comes to empowering these positive changes, especially for vulnerable people and young people at risk. We run the Brightstar Boxing Academy, Brightstar Futures and Brigthstar Community programmes across the West Midlands.

https://www.brightstarboxing.co.uk/

Families First are a proud partner agency of Brightstar and our work together in supporting young people.

https://www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk/

In this episode we hear from Ricci about his own lived experiences both as a care leaver and also an experienced Therapeutic foster parent. Ricci and Louise explore the challenges faced by care leavers and what changes and support is needed to promote better outcomes.

Brought to you by Families First Fostering www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk

https://facebook.com/Familiesfirstfostering

https://instagram.com/fffostering

What is Therapeutic Fostering? Join experienced therapeutic foster parent Jon and Operations Manager Louise to find out what it takes to be a therapeutic foster parent. Hear their lived experiences and discover some of the rewards and challenges that fostering can bring.

Brought to you by Families First Fostering www.familiesfirstfostering.co.uk

https://facebook.com/Familiesfirstfostering

https://instagram.com/fffostering