Local Authority Calls on Public to Foster and Help Transform Children's Lives
- james carson
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
Hillingdon Council is urging local residents to consider the life-changing opportunity of fostering.
The council’s campaign aims to recruit more foster carers to support 315 children currently in its care, as part of efforts to address the ongoing national shortage of carers.
With a comprehensive and unmatched financial package, Hillingdon Council offers dedicated support to foster families who are ready to provide a loving and stable home. The council is particularly encouraging residents who have a safe and nurturing environment to consider fostering a child, whether they have previous experience or not. The only requirement is a genuine desire to help a child thrive.
Lydia Blake, 35, a part-time social worker with the council, and her husband Jonathan Blake, 37, from Uxbridge, are among the new wave of foster carers in the borough. Since beginning their fostering journey in November, the couple has welcomed a 15-year-old girl into their home. With three children of their own, aged five, seven, and nine, they have embraced the enriching experience of fostering.
“Fostering has always been something we thought about,” said Jonathan. “We wanted to give back and support children in our community. Our foster child has become someone our kids look up to, and it’s been rewarding for our whole family.”
Lydia echoed this sentiment: “It’s been incredibly fulfilling. We’re getting our foster child ready for her GCSEs, and she’s thriving. The whole experience has brought us closer as a family.”
Foster carers in Hillingdon can receive up to £1,500 per week, along with a range of benefits, including a 25% council tax reduction, £1,000 off utility bills, a winter fuel allowance, and a family Platinum Merlin pass. This generous package equates to an annual salary of up to £72,000. Since the launch of the council's recruitment campaign in May, more than 135 inquiries have been received, showing growing interest in fostering in the borough.
Lydia reflected on how the financial incentives have been helpful, particularly during the holiday season. “Having the support from Hillingdon Council has been invaluable. We were able to buy Christmas presents for our foster child and make her feel part of the family,” she said. “The cost-of-living crisis is challenging, but thanks to the package, we haven’t had to worry about extra expenses like food shopping or utility bills.”
The council’s dedication to foster carers doesn't end with financial support. Lydia praised the ongoing assistance from the council, saying, “The support from our social worker has been fantastic. From the moment our foster child moved in, we’ve had regular check-ins, which have been a huge help.”
Councillor Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, commended the positive impact that foster carers like Lydia and Jonathan have on children's lives. “Our foster carers provide a stable, loving home, which can be transformative for both the child and the family,” she said. “With our competitive financial package and ongoing support, we want to make fostering as accessible and rewarding as possible.”
If you’re interested in fostering for Hillingdon, find out more at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering
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