In a significant community-led effort, churches across Plymouth are uniting with the Foster for Plymouth initiative to address a critical shortage of foster carers. The ambitious '26 for 26' campaign, launched this week, aims to recruit 26 new foster carers within the city during 2026. This collaborative effort seeks not only to increase the number of available fostering households but also to provide comprehensive wraparound support for the children and families within the foster care system.
The initiative officially kicked off during Foster Care Fortnight, the UK's largest annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about fostering, which runs from May 11th to May 24th, 2026. The urgency of the campaign is underscored by the current statistics in Plymouth, where over 520 children and young people are in care, yet only approximately 120 fostering households are available to support them. This disparity has resulted in a concerning number of children being placed far from their familiar surroundings, impacting their education, social connections, and overall well-being.
The Growing Need for Local Foster Placements
As of the end of March 2026, a staggering 219 children, representing 41% of those in care in Plymouth, were living outside the city. Of these, 115 were placed more than 20 miles away, with one young person located as far as 285 miles from home. The '26 for 26' campaign specifically aims to find local families for approximately 26 children currently residing in residential care, who could benefit from a family environment if suitable local carers were available. The decline in both national and local foster carer numbers exacerbates this issue, leading to placements that disrupt children's stability, affect their well-being, and potentially hinder their long-term outcomes.
The '26 for 26' campaign is designed to engage church communities across Plymouth, encouraging individuals and families to consider fostering. Beyond recruitment, the campaign emphasizes the creation of practical, relational support networks around foster carers. This support will complement the existing package offered by Plymouth City Council, which includes weekly allowances, council tax reductions, specialist training, therapeutic support, peer networks, and respite options. The church networks will provide additional layers of support, such as practical assistance, emotional encouragement, meals, prayer, and a stronger sense of community connection for foster families.
Community Partnerships and Support Structures
The partnership bringing this campaign to life includes the Diocese of Plymouth, Transforming Plymouth Together, Churches Together in Plymouth, and Safe Families Home for Good. Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, highlighted the importance of local placements, stating, “We know that children do best when they can stay close to the places and people they know.” This sentiment is central to the campaign's objective of keeping children within their communities.
Foster carers participating in the program will benefit from a robust support system, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide stable and nurturing environments. This includes ongoing training, access to mental health support, and financial assistance. The involvement of faith-based organizations aims to create a broader community safety net, offering a unique blend of practical and emotional support that can make a significant difference in the lives of both foster carers and the children they care for. The campaign's success hinges on the willingness of the community to step forward and offer homes and support to children in need, fostering a more stable and nurturing environment for the city's most vulnerable young people.