About

Meet Lucy November

Hi, my name is Lucy November. My journey began as a teenage pregnancy midwife, but in 2012, I transitioned into parent-and-child foster care. I was eager to gain additional training and connect with other foster carers specialising in this area. However, I found that the available training primarily focused on observing and recording, rather than addressing the complex role of supporting the development of a positive parent-child relationship, especially in the face of intergenerational abuse and neglect.

In my search for resources, I discovered a significant lack of up-to-date practical information on crucial topics such as pregnancy, birth, the postnatal period, maternal and infant mental health, and promoting attachment. Moreover, there was no platform for online peer support or recognition of the specialism within the wider fostering community. This gap highlighted the urgent need for more comprehensive training and resources.

Research

To address these issues, I applied to The Sir Halley Stewart Trust for funding to explore the experiences of parent-and-child foster carers and develop necessary resources. Over the course of a year, I conducted focus groups across the country, meeting incredible people and gathering valuable insights. It became clear that many foster carers shared my experiences and were in desperate need of additional support and input.

Introducing Fostering Hope

Fostering Hope was created as a response to these needs. This platform is designed to be a hub for up-to-date information, practical tips, and ideas. It also provides links to other useful resources and organisations. Our goal is to support foster carers in their vital role by offering the tools and information they need.

Community and Peer Support

In addition to this website, we have established the Fostering Hope closed Facebook group. Run by Alison Dawson, a former educator and experienced parent-and-child foster carer, this group is a supportive forum where foster carers can connect, encourage, and support each other. It is a place to share experiences, ask questions, and build a community of informed and empowered carers.

Thank you for visiting Fostering Hope. We are here to support you in your fostering journey.