Support for Foster Carers

Why foster in Wigan?

If you foster in Wigan you will have access to a fantastic support package designed to ensure that you’re fully prepared to foster:

Round the clock support and advice, including home visits, support groups and mentoring
Competitive weekly allowances and exclusive rewards.
Extensive training opportunities to support carers with their fostering placements

Comprehensive support including a duty Social Worker throughout the day, round the clock advice, out of hours advice. Ring 01942 487200 or fostering@wigan.gov.uk
Support groups and mentoring to link up with other carers
Sleepovers for children and young people when needed
Support worker visits outside the 9-5 core hours
Childcare to help you attend training, reviews or medical appointments
A regular foster carer newsletter keeping you up to date on key developments
Activity sessions for birth children throughout the year to show our appreciation and an opportunity to meet ‘other children who foster’
When it comes to counselling services, Wigan Council foster carers will receive the same support as employees of the council. For further details you can call 0800 030 5182 (free phone) or visit the Health Assured website (external link). This is additional to those services already offered by the fostering service including support in the event of illness or bereavement, flood advice and guidance
Support and advice from the Educational Psychology Service
Additional priority on the housing register, irrespective of whether it is a short or long term placement
The Mockingbird Family Model - An extended network of family support offering an alternative way of providing foster care that involves carers being part of a group with other foster carers. Find out more about the Mockingbird Family Model.

A generous weekly allowance ranging up to £791 per child per week, depending on the age and needs of the child, and the skills and experience of the foster carer(s). See more details about our financial support package
Additional allowances for birthdays and festivals
Annual celebration event to honour your commitment and hard work
Blue Light Cards (external link) - access to a range of discounts and offers
Cash incentives for long serving carers - you’ll receive £250 after 5 years, £500 after 10 years, £750 after 15 years and up to £1000 after 20 years
Carers receive £250 if they recommend someone who goes on to be approved, and a further £250 when that person takes their first placement
Discounted leisure membership - Foster carers pay just £30 a month for two adults and their birth children living at the same address to access the Council’s leisure facilities. Foster children are able to access leisure facilities for free. If you’re interested in signing up, contact Katy Beesley at Robin Park Arena on 01942 828550
A range of exclusive benefits and discounts for high street shops, savings schemes and discounted products with Wigan Council’s Vivup scheme. As a foster carer with us you will receive a personal number via post or email, enabling you to register for the benefits
Transfer bonus for IFA carers - They will receive a one off lump sum of £500 per household once they’re approved as Wigan Council foster carers.

Training before and after you’ve been approved. Our extensive training programme is renowned across the North West and includes Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), dealing with challenging behaviours, caring for children with attachment difficulties.
We also have access to over 200 courses and e-learning that you can complete at home, as well as training sessions for birth children.

For a full list of training opportunities contact the team on 01942 487200.