Three Greater Manchester foster families were invited to Downing Street on 13 October 2026 in recognition of the difference they make to the lives of children and young people in care.

The event marked the launch of the Department for Education’s first nationally coordinated fostering recruitment campaign, which aims to encourage more people to consider whether fostering could fit their lives.

Josh MacAllister MP, minister for children and families, welcomed foster carers from across England, including Mel Jones, who fosters for Rochdale Borough Council, and Lianne Nelson and James and Amy Vernon-Goldborough, who foster for Stockport Council. Joining the foster carers was Tracy Lally Foster for Greater Manchester’s Recruitment Hub Manager.

(Pictured left to right: James, Lianne, Tracy and Mel)

Their stories reflect the campaign’s central message: “Fostering is built from everyday life.”

More open than you might expect—and more supported than you might imagine

Mel is a single foster carer who has provided short-break and emergency care for 14 children over the past 18 months, while continuing to work full time. She said: “Because both types of fostering cover short periods of time —either stepping in to give a child’s regular carer a break or caring for a child at very short notice—I can fit fostering around my existing commitments while making a real difference when children need it most.”

Lianne became a full-time foster carer after being made redundant from her role as an assistant store manager. Unable to have children of her own, she had always wanted to foster or adopt. “There are so many children who need someone to love and care for them, and I wanted to help a child who deserved a loving family home,” Lianne explained.

As part of Stockport Council’s Mockingbird programme, Lianne meets regularly with other foster carers. “We all get involved with the children, doing arts and crafts, baking or making pizza,” she said. “We’re there to support each other; we’re all a family.”

When Lianne separated from her partner, she worried that she would not be able to continue fostering. However, support from other foster carers helped her through a difficult time. “I’ve learnt to ask for help—and to accept that help,” she said.

She currently looks after an 11-year-old boy having previously fostered a toddler who has since returned to live with their mum. “We are all still in regular contact, and it’s amazing to see how well Mum is doing and to watch them thrive as a family,” she said.

You already have what it takes. Just share it.

James and his wife, Amy, began fostering three years ago because they felt they had more to give and wanted to make a difference in a young person’s life. They have a young son of their own, a baby due in December and currently foster two teenage girls.

James and Amy both work full time alongside fostering. James said: “Both of our employers are very supportive of us as foster carers and give us the flexibility to fit fostering into our busy family life.”

James believes people can sometimes rule themselves out because they do not think they have what it takes. “They should give themselves more credit,” he said. “If you’re thinking about it, then you can do this. You can be a foster carer and you can make a difference.”

If you have room in your heart and your home, and curious to learn more about becoming a Foster Carer, please take the time to read the information on our website.  

Once you are ready to take the first step on your journey to becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with us via

• The Enquiry Form
• Email at enquire@fosterforgm.com
• Phone on 0300 303 0321

A committed and friendly member of our team will contact you within one working day of your enquiry and are here to answer any further questions you may have about fostering.  They will also explain and guide you through our step-by-step approach in your journey to becoming a foster carer.