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Southwark Needs Foster Carers

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Why Southwark Needs Foster Carers

Across Southwark, there are children and young people who cannot safely remain with their birth families. This can be due to a range of difficult circumstances, and when it happens, those children need a safe, stable and caring home.

Foster carers play a vital role in providing that stability. They offer children a place where they can feel secure, rebuild trust and begin to make sense of what they’ve experienced.

In a borough as large and diverse as Southwark, the need for foster carers is ongoing. There is a particular need for carers who can look after children locally. Staying close to familiar surroundings can make a significant difference to a child’s wellbeing. It can mean remaining in the same school, keeping friendships, and maintaining important connections with family and community.

Last year Southwark asked us to find homes for 273 children, including a large number of babies.

Fostering in Southwark

Fostering in Southwark is about helping children stay connected to the communities they know. Whether that’s attending their usual school, visiting local parks, or continuing with activities they enjoy, these familiar links can provide comfort during uncertain times.

Southwark includes a wide range of neighbourhoods, each with its own identity. From the vibrant streets of Peckham and Camberwell to the riverside areas of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, children come from many different backgrounds and communities.

Having foster carers based locally means children are more likely to stay in the area they know. This helps reduce disruption and allows them to maintain routines and relationships that matter to them.

If you’re interested in supporting children in your local community, you can learn more about the process of
Becoming a Foster Carer and what fostering involves day to day.

About the Southwark Community

Southwark is one of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs, combining busy urban areas with quieter residential neighbourhoods.

The borough is home to well-known landmarks such as Borough Market, The Shard and the Southbank, alongside green spaces like Southwark Park, Burgess Park and Dulwich Park. These spaces provide opportunities for children and families to spend time outdoors and be part of their local environment.

Transport links across Southwark are excellent, with Underground, Overground and bus routes connecting areas such as Elephant & Castle, Canada Water, London Bridge and Peckham. This makes it easier for children to stay connected to school, family and support networks.

Southwark’s strong sense of community, combined with its mix of cultures and neighbourhoods, makes it an important place for local foster carers who understand the area and can help children feel at home.

Could You Become a Foster Carer?

Foster carers come from all walks of life. You don’t need to have worked with children before — what matters most is your ability to provide a safe, caring and stable home.

Many foster carers bring valuable life experience, patience and understanding. Being able to listen, remain calm and offer consistency can make a real difference to a child’s life.

In most cases, you will need a spare bedroom. However, Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting baby-only foster carers. In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be required, as babies can sleep in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, you can find more information here:
Foster Carer Requirements

We asked our carer Jacqui, what's the best thing about fostering?

Everyday is different, I'm never bored, that's probably the best thing. It's not like raising your own children, you have to face different challenges everyday.

Jacqui

You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.

What Kind of Person Makes a Good Foster Carer?

There is no single “type” of foster carer, but there are some qualities that make a positive difference.

Foster carers are often:

  • Calm and patient, even in challenging situations

  • Consistent and reliable

  • Willing to learn and develop new skills

  • Understanding of children’s needs and experiences

  • Committed to supporting children within their community

You don’t need to be perfect. What matters is your willingness to provide a stable and caring environment, and to work as part of a wider support network around the child.

How to Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer is a structured process designed to make sure you feel prepared and supported.

The journey typically includes:

  • An initial enquiry and conversation with the recruitment team

  • A home visit to talk through fostering in more detail

  • Attending Skills to Foster training

  • Completing your application

  • A full assessment process

  • Fostering panel approval

Throughout the process, you’ll receive guidance and support so you understand what fostering involves and feel confident moving forward.

Financial Support For Foster Carers​

People don’t become foster carers because of the money. They do it to make a difference in a child’s life.
But it’s equally true that fostering needs to be financially manageable, so that carers can focus fully on providing stability and care.

Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to support them in their role.

At Greater London Fostering, this is currently:

  • £479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under

  • £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over

This payment is made up of two parts. The first is to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, activities, and household expenses. The second is a professional reward, recognising the time, commitment, and responsibility involved in fostering.

Foster carers are not expected to manage financially on their own. Alongside the weekly allowance, you will also receive guidance, training, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

For many people, fostering becomes both a meaningful way to support children and a sustainable role within their household.

If you would like to explore this in more detail, you can read more here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-care-money/

Foster Carers Needed Across Southwark

Foster carers are needed across Southwark, including in Peckham, Camberwell, Dulwich, East Dulwich, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Elephant & Castle, Walworth, Nunhead and Canada Water.

Local foster carers can make a huge difference by helping children stay closer to their school, friends and community.

Take the First Step

If you’re thinking about fostering, the first step is simply to have a conversation. There’s no pressure — just an opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

You can:

Taking that first step could make a lasting difference to a child’s life.

Foster With GLF

FAQs

Can I foster if I live in Southwark?
Yes, we welcome enquiries from people living across Southwark and the surrounding areas.

Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases, yes. However, for baby-only placements, a separate bedroom may not always be required.

Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes, in some cases babies can sleep in a cot in your bedroom, depending on your situation.

Do I need experience with children to foster?
No, many foster carers start without formal experience. Training and support are provided.

How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The process typically takes a few months, depending on your circumstances.