AI and Foster Care
AI is becoming an important topic in foster care and children’s social care, but at its heart fostering will always be about people: children, foster carers and social workers working …
Simon Williams – Beacon Fostering
Simon is an experienced fostering professional and is a Director and Founder at Beacon Fostering, a locally based fostering in agency in North West England with a family and therapeutic focus.
With over 20 years experience in the fostering sector directly with agencies on their development, and strategy, Simon combines an excellent knowledge of fostering, practice, business development and financial management. Simon successfully held senior roles with Sunbeam Fostering for 10 years supporting the agency to continue its focus on positive outcomes and growth.
Simon is passionate about the development of Beacon Fostering being local to the North West and wanting to help make a difference for children and young persons.
Expertise
• Foster carer support
• Commissioning and Local Authority engagement
• Fostering agency development
• Helping teams deliver positive outcomes for children and young persons
• Corporate finance
• Marketing and recruitment
Experience
• CEO, Sunbeam Fostering
• Fostering Executive Member – (National Association of Fostering Providers)
• Finance Director, One Education
• Fostering Corporate Finance Advisor – Grant Thornton, Hazlewoods
Recent blog posts:
Fostering Books and Good Reads!
Fostering books and good reads are a brilliant way for foster carers, prospective foster parents and children in care to explore feelings, build understanding and strengthen attachments together. A well-chosen …
I’ve Never Had My Own Children – Can I Foster?
Many people wonder if they can foster a child without having raised children of their own. The good news is yes - absolutely! You don’t need to be a parent …
Things To Do As A Foster Family During Lent
Lent can be a meaningful time for reflection, routine and kindness in a foster family, whether or not you are practicing Christians. For children in foster care, the structure of …
Supporting A Muslim Foster Child During Ramadan
Ramadan is a deeply significant month for many Muslim children and young people, and foster carers play an important role in helping them feel respected, safe and understood during this …
Things To Do As A Foster Family On Valentine’s
Valentine’s Day can be a lovely opportunity for a foster family to focus on love, belonging and positive relationships, not just romantic partnerships. For children in foster care, days that …
Things to Do as a Foster Family in February
February is still winter, but it’s full of opportunities for foster families to connect, have fun, and build strong bonds. Shorter days and cooler weather make it a wonderful time …
The Importance of a Support Network in Fostering
Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable, but it also comes with challenges that no one should face alone. That’s why having a strong support network is vital …
How to Support a Foster Child’s Education and Development
Education plays a huge role in every foster child’s development, but it can also come with challenges. Many children enter foster care after experiencing disruption, missed schooling, or emotional stress. …
Mindfulness for Children and Young People
Mindfulness is an increasingly valuable tool for supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and young people, particularly those in foster care. Many children entering foster placements have experienced trauma, loss, …