If you are starting to think about fostering and want to know how it works in your local area, a fostering information event is a great place to begin. Foster for East Midlands Councils (FFEMC) is a team made up of Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. They work together to find and support more foster carers, helping children stay close to their schools, friends and communities.
Fostering information events are free, friendly sessions that take place online or in person. Anyone can join, whether you are just curious or already thinking about becoming a foster carer. You do not need to know anything before you come along.
At these events, you will meet the FFEMC team. They explain what fostering is, the different types of fostering, and the kinds of support children in the area may need. They also talk about the training you receive, the support available throughout your fostering journey, and the payments that help you provide for a child. Many events include real foster carers who share their own stories, giving you a clear picture of what fostering is like day to day.
You can ask questions at any time. You may want to know who can foster, how long the process takes, or how fostering can fit around work and family life. The team will give simple and honest answers. Children can come along to in-person events too, and the sessions are welcoming for families.
There is never any pressure to decide anything straight away. You can take information home, ask for a call back, or think everything over in your own time. If you prefer a private chat, you can contact the team by phone or email. The website also has lots of useful information, and you can fill in an online enquiry form if you want to take the next step.
Upcoming Fostering Events
December 2025
• Thursday 18 December – 12:00–1:00 pm – Online (Zoom)
January 2026
• Thursday 8 January – 6:30–7:30 pm – Online (Zoom)
• Tuesday 20 January – 12:00–1:00 pm – Online (Zoom)
• Sunday 25 January – 11:00 am–3:00 pm – Drop-in, Sherwood Community Centre, Nottingham, NG5 3FN
February 2026
• Wednesday 4 February – 6:30–7:30 pm – Online (Zoom)
• Thursday 26 February – 12:00–1:00 pm – Online (Zoom)
March 2026
• Sunday 8 March – 12:00–4:00 pm – Drop-in, Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, DE55 2EJ
• Tuesday 10 March – 6:30–7:30 pm – Online (Zoom)
• Wednesday 25 March – 12:00–1:00 pm – Online (Zoom)
To begin your fostering journey, you can apply online, call 03033 132950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or visit the website at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/become-foster-carer/can-i-foster/. You can also watch a short film that shows what to expect when you start fostering.
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