⬤ National Lottery Funded Programme
Empowering Black Female Foster Carers · Leicester · 2024
A pioneering pilot programme built in direct response to inequality, isolation and a lack of culturally responsive support within the foster care system.
CARERS SUPPORTED
Black female foster carers in Leicester
CHILDREN BENEFITED
Children in their care
TRAINED VOLUNTEERS
Community volunteers upskilled
VOICES INFORMED
Sector conversations shaped
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
In 2024, Black Foster Carers Alliance was awarded funding to deliver Bridging the Gap — a pioneering pilot programme supporting Black female foster carers and their families in Leicester.
The programme was developed in response to clear evidence of inequality, isolation and a lack of culturally responsive support within the foster care system.
Over 12 months, it provided structured community support, wellbeing activities and opportunities for connection — helping carers build confidence, resilience and stronger support networks.
The outcomes demonstrated the power of culturally grounded, community-led approaches in improving experiences for carers and better outcomes for children in their care.
For the first time, I felt truly seen and understood as a Black foster carer. This programme reminded me that I am not alone.
- Programme Participant, Leicester
Being part of this community gave me the confidence to advocate for my child and navigate the system with strength.
- Programme Participant, Leicester
THE PROBLEM
Black female foster carers often experience isolation and a lack of culturally responsive support. Local insight revealed racial, social and economic inequalities that limited access to peer networks, early-intervention support and safe community spaces.
Many carers felt unsupported navigating complex systems and maintaining their own wellbeing — particularly those parenting alone.
Bridging the Gap was co-designed with the community to address these challenges — providing a culturally grounded support network that strengthened resilience, wellbeing and outcomes for carers and the children in their care.
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Isolation from peer networks and culturally responsive support spaces.
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Carers carrying the weight of complex needs with limited personal support.
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Difficulty navigating complex statutory systems and advocating for children.
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Untapped potential for carers to lead and shape services from within.
WHAT WE ACHIEVED
Six measurable areas of transformation for Black female foster carers and the children they care for.
Carers reported stronger self-belief and greater confidence in advocating for themselves and the children in their care.
Meaningful peer relationships formed, reducing isolation and building lasting community bonds.
Improved emotional wellbeing through access to culturally responsive spaces and consistent community connection.
Carers developed greater capability to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for children.
Carers sustained their roles with greater stability, reducing placement breakdowns.
Renewed sense of identity and belonging within a trusted, culturally grounded support network.
PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES
Helping families navigate the fostering journey through four core strands of structured, community-led support.
1
Regular one-to-one befriending and group support sessions providing consistent, culturally safe connection.
2
Practical skills training and wellbeing workshops building resilience and professional confidence.
3
Cultural and community events supporting family identity, joy and belonging.
4
Pathways for carers to step into leadership, shaping services and influencing systemic change.
MONTHS
of community support
COMMUNITY VOICES
Hear directly from the Black female foster carers whose lives were changed by Bridging the Gap.
For the first time, I felt truly seen and understood as a Black foster carer. This programme reminded me that I am not alone.
PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT - LEICESTER
Being part of this community gave me the confidence to advocate for my child and navigate the system with strength.
PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT - LEICESTER
The wellbeing workshops helped me understand that looking after myself is not selfish – it is essential. I am a better carer because of this programme.
PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT - LEICESTER
I came in feeling isolated. I left with a network of women who truly understand what this journey is like. That is priceless.
PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT - LEICESTER
THE EVIDENCE
As a result of Bridging the Gap, Black female foster carers experienced increased confidence, stronger peer relationships and improved emotional wellbeing.
Carers reported feeling less isolated and more supported through access to culturally responsive spaces and consistent community connection.
The programme strengthened carers ability to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for the children in their care. Participants developed greater resilience, improved self-belief and a renewed sense of belonging.
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100% of participants reported feeling less isolated after the programme
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Increased confidence in navigating statutory systems and advocating for children
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Stronger peer support networks sustained beyond the programme end date
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Improved emotional wellbeing and resilience across all participants
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Carers sustaining foster placements with greater stability and confidence
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Demonstrated model for culturally grounded, community-led foster carer support
GET INVOLVED
Bridging the Gap showed what is possible when community-led, culturally grounded support is properly resourced. Download the full impact report or get in touch to explore how we can replicate this model across the UK.
FUNDED BY
