Following a hugely successful pilot, three new community-based fostering hubs designed to strengthen support networks for foster families are being launched in Croydon.
Building on the success of the recent pilot, which brought together six foster families in an extended family-style model of care, these new hubs aim to offer a more connected fostering experience. The pilot showed the powerful impact of peer support in fostering and this next phase brings that vision to life with even more families.
The name Horizons Hub was chosen by Croydon’s Children in Care Council, a group of care-experienced young people in the borough. It reflects looking ahead and the hope for long-term stability and growth.
The Horizons Hub model creates a community where foster carers, birth children, and looked after children all benefit from being part of a trusted, familiar network. Just like an extended family, carers can access essential peer support, planned respite in the form of ‘sleepovers’ and crisis assistance, while children have the opportunity to form lasting friendships and experience a sense of belonging.
The initiative was developed in direct response to local foster carers, who told the council that more peer-based support and opportunities to connect were needed. Each hub will be led by an experienced foster carer who will offer emotional guidance, training, and hands-on leadership to ensure every family feels supported and valued.
Sharon Rennie, a Croydon foster carer, shared: “I joined a hub because it’s nice to have connections with other foster carers, and the young people that I have enjoy the outings that they do.”
Debbie Seddon, a hub leader, added: “The real benefit is to the children because they get to meet the other foster children that are in the hub. They don’t feel alone, they feel part of something, part of a community, and meet other children in similar situations.”
“Foster carers change lives. Through initiatives like Horizons, we are not only recognising the power of relationships but also building systems that support and strengthen them.
“These hubs are a great example of our commitment to improve the fostering experience and provide the best possible care for children and young people in Croydon.
“We urge anyone in Croydon who has ever considered fostering to come and find out more—your support can make a lasting difference.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Join a growing, innovative community that changes lives. Yours could be one of them.
Find out more about fostering in www.croydon.gov.uk/fostering
