Case studies

Learn about the help and support we provide foster carers like Sharon

Sharon and her husband Andrew have been fostering with us for 10 years. Learn about why they became foster carers, how we’ve supported them, and Sharon's advice if you’re considering fostering.

Fostering

“I don’t think I would be in the place I am now if it wasn’t for Barnardo’s.”- Sana’s experience

Sana* from Rotherham shares her experience of getting support from our Tamkeen Project after being targeted by violent racist bullying at school.

“Since being with Barnardo’s, I've seen myself grow as a more confident person.” - Freya’s experience

17-year-old Freya, from Greater Manchester, shares her experience getting support for her mental health from her keyworker Lisa and our Greater Manchester Key Working service.

How we helped Ben to advocate for better accessibility in his school

Ben shares his experience of struggling to get the education he wanted because his school wasn’t fully accessible and explains how he removed those barriers for other young people, with our help.

Disability, Disability/Health, Education

“My mental health has improved loads…I don’t think I’ve been this happy since I was a little kid.” - Ella's experience

18-year-old Ella, from Greater Manchester, shares her experience getting life-changing mental health support from our Greater Manchester Key Working service.

“The support in place at the moment just isn’t fitting with the degree of poverty people are experiencing.” - Sonia’s experience

Sonia, a mum of two boys, who we’ve supported through our Cumbria LINK service, shares her experience of poverty and explains why she thinks the government should do more to support families who are struggling to make ends meet.

How fosters carers help prepare children to be adopted

Anamica and Prashan, adopted their son Neel through us. They had such a positive experience with the foster parents who looked after him before his adoption they asked them to be Neel’s godparents. Learn about the role foster carers play in helping children get ready for adoption.

Adoption, Fostering

“As a young person working full time, and barely managing to afford my bills, I don’t think there’s enough help available.” - Sumayia’s experience

Sumayia, a 19-year-old from Swansea, shares her experience of struggling with the high cost of living and explains how we have helped her to live on her own since she was 16.

What it’s like adopting older children and siblings

Lindsey and her husband Phil didn’t set out to adopt two children at once, or to adopt an older child, but when they attended an activity day they met and fell for two little girls who would become their daughters.

Adoption

The reality of being a short-break or respite foster carer

Jane L and Jane H are foster carers who specialise in providing short break foster care, which used to be known as respite care, for children with special educational needs (SEN). Read about their experiences.