Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs)

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) with a passion for helping individuals navigate emotional challenges with empathy and structure? You already have the therapeutic mindset, resilience, and relationship-building skills needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for compassionate, emotionally intelligent individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, supportive home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is your opportunity to bring your skills beyond session-based work and into a family environment where consistency, care, and connection truly transform lives.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that supports young people who've experienced trauma, loss, and instability, helping them transition from residential care into a secure family setting.

These young people need more than shelter — they need someone like you: a calm, consistent adult who understands emotional regulation, mental health support, and how to create trust over time.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be part of a therapeutic, multi-agency support team. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

Supporting a young person with complex emotional needs is no small task — which is why we provide comprehensive emotional and financial support.

Specialist Support:

Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
A Family Wellbeing Worker to support both you and your foster child
A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
A network of other Step Forward Carers for peer connection and shared learning
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
Access to therapeutic and psychological support aligned with your professional approach
Financial Package:

We provide a generous financial package so you can focus entirely on building a safe, stable home.

£1,052 per week while a child is placed with you (around £54,704 per year)
£408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 per year)
Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for PWPs who are:

Passionate about mental health and emotional wellbeing
Skilled in supporting vulnerable individuals through evidence-based care
Calm, reflective, and resilient in the face of emotional challenges
Ready to transfer their therapeutic knowledge to a home-based setting
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

To Be Eligible, You'll Need:

Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
A willingness to complete our professional training
The right to work in the UK
Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role