Updates

Agency Updates

• In the Northwest at NFA we have been running an Introduction to Counselling Skills, Level 2 course which allowed participants to gain a formal qualification from the counselling and psychotherapy central awarding body (CPCAB). The course was taught by Nicky Saggerson, Psychotherapist. The 10-week course has now come to an end, and we took the opportunity to congratulate Foster Carers and Staff on gaining their qualifications by holding a celebratory lunch and small graduation celebration to mark this achievement. The course was a great success and feedback from participants was extremely positive. One person reported the thing they most enjoyed about the course was, "The group of people I was on the course with and how much I have learnt about myself and what it means to truly listen and hear someone." When asked if they would recommend the course one carer reported; "Yes, I would say it is really interesting what you learn about yourself on the course and how past experiences shape us as humans." The course looks at all aspects of active listening as well as considering how our life experiences have shaped us and our view of the world, ourselves, and other people. We’re looking forward to offering the course again soon. We also offer a course on Therapeutic Parenting is highly effective in fostering a deeper understanding of complex and developmental trauma, as well as the types of experiences that can adversely impact a child’s development, ability to bond, and communication skills. It emphasises recognising that all behaviour serves as a form of communication and encourages the use of reflection to continually learn and enhance our effectiveness as foster parents.
• Monthly Virtual Fostering Event Our events are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 12pm If you would like the link to join an event or require any further information please email [email protected]
• Youth Forum

  We are setting up a Youth Forum for children age 13 years. Our initial forum was arranged virtually during the pandemic but will now be face to face. The purpose of this forum is to support young people and get their views on how we can improve their engagement and participation. We are also able to offer children the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Award Scheme (from the age of 14 years onwards). We can also signpost young people to where they can access support with careers guidance and educational resources.
• Ambassador Scheme

  The assessment process of becoming a foster carer is a very intrusive assessment, therefore we link you with an experienced foster carer who can support and guide you through the fostering process. They are happy to discuss their real life experiences of fostering 24/7 and how it has impacted on them and their family. The frequency of the contact they have with you will depend on what you want, it may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. They will be happy to talk to you over the telephone or meet you face to face.
• Wellbeing Session

  Fostering can be an isolating role, especially if you are new to fostering. Nfa like to look after their foster carers and like to promote their well-being. In January, we arranged for 6 Cardiff & Vale beauty students to deliver some aromatherapy massages to our foster carers in Cardiff. We had several foster carers attend the session. The students provided massages on foster carers hands, shoulder and backs. The session was enjoyed by all and foster carers went home feeling relaxed and valued. The students from the college enjoyed chatting to our foster carers whilst they undertook their massages. The students were pleased as they had all been observed by their Tutor doing several different massage techniques, meaning those observations could be signed off. We are hoping to Cardiff and Vale college will attend Swansea office next year to deliver the same session to Swansea carers.
• Bath-bomb Workshop

  Our foster carers like participating in sessions where they can get involved with making items. Last summer in Cardiff we held a bath bomb workshop for foster families. Several foster children and birth children attended with their foster carers/parents. They had an amazing time making some lovely smelling bath bombs which looked they had been professionally made. The children were really excited about going home to show their families their fabulous creations. In October last year, we were looking at ideas for Christmas crafts for foster carers and a foster carer mentioned "what about a Christmas themed bath bomb workshop?" . We found out if many carers would be interested in attending and we had a really good response from our Swansea group of carers. We held a bath bomb Christmas themed workshop in our Swansea office for foster carers, not only did it smell of Christmas but the lady running the workshop had Christmas molds such as Christmas trees, snowmen and father Christmas shape molds. We asked foster carers to wear their Christmas jumpers too and by the end of the session we were all in Christmas spirits. Everyone had a very enjoyable time and got to take home several homemade bath bombs which they had made themselves.