The Blog

Mulberry announce fantastic new initiative to pay Foster Carers Council Tax from 2025!

22nd May 2024

This Foster Care Fortnight, we are proud to announce that in a national crisis in recruitment of Foster Carers, Mulberry Foster Care are continuing their ethos of looking after carers so they can look after children in their home by subsidising Foster Carer Council Tax monthly payments.

Background

Mulberry Foster Care, founded by Shaun Burnett and Andrew Robinson, have provided care for many children since the agency’s formation in 2016. Shaun and Andrew, both social workers for over 15 years, have created an agency with children at the forefront of every decision and of every employee and foster carer within the agency.

We are a small independent fostering agency that has our carers and children in care at our heart. We cover 27 local authorities in the Midlands and across Wales. We offer comprehensive support to our carers throughout the process and into their fostering journey.

We have continually expanded our Therapeutic intervention and in October 2023 we overhauled our current building to create a dedicated therapy suite and a conference center. The space comprises of a dedicated play therapy room, mentor room and state of the art sensory room.

The initiative – We look after you so you can look after others.

Last year, the number of Foster Carers leaving the care sector was larger than the number of new recruits. This is a national issue and is causing significant issues for children in care due to Local Authorities not having homes for children in desperate need of them.

Mulberry Foster Care firmly believe in supporting our foster carers who do an incredible job 27/4 365 days a year. Whilst we have historically provided generous allowances, events, training and direct 1:1 support, the time has come to go one step further. Due to the current shortage of Foster Carers, Mulberry are committed to subsidising Foster Carers council tax whilst they have children in placement.

“ It has been evident in the past 12 months that people are not considering becoming a foster carer. This can be for a number of reasons but the current economic uncertainty and cost of living crisis has certainly played a role which is why we are proud to announce this new scheme’ Matthew Smith, Campaign Manager Mulberry Foster Care.

‘As an agency, we strive to always a make a difference. This is consistent with our new scheme to look after our foster carers, so they can look after others in their care. Assisting carers with their council tax bill regardless of where they live, we hope, will enable people to consider taking the step to becoming a foster carer. This scheme also applies to current foster carers who would like to transfer to Mulberry Foster Care’ Shaun Burnett, Director, Mulberry Foster Care.

Join our Team!

3rd May 2024

Are you a passionate social worker seeking a fulfilling career in a supportive and therapeutic environment? Look no further than Mulberry Foster Care, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Ross-on-Wye. We're excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a Supervising Social Worker to join our team and be part of something truly extraordinary.

At Mulberry Foster Care, we believe in making a real difference in the lives of children and families. That's why we've created a nurturing and supportive environment that combines the beauty of nature with top-notch therapeutic resources. Here's what sets us apart:

1. Beautiful Country Setting: Imagine working in a tranquil countryside setting, where greenery abounds and fresh air invigorates. Our office in Ross-on-Wye provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful work.

2. Capped Caseload of 8 Families: We prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring that each social worker can dedicate ample time and attention to every family under their care.

3. Comprehensive Therapeutic Support: At Mulberry Foster Care, we offer a range of therapeutic resources right on-site, including play therapy, mentoring, in-house systemic family therapy, adventure plus activities, and a sensory room. Additionally, we provide external access to equine therapy for those who would benefit from this unique approach.

4. Outstanding OFSTED Rating: Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by OFSTED, with a rating of "Outstanding" in all areas. This reflects our dedication to providing the highest standard of care to the children and families we serve.

5. Social Worker-Created Agency: Mulberry Foster Care was founded by social workers who wanted to create an agency that truly prioritises the well-being of its staff and families. We believe in supporting our team so they can in turn support others.

6. Tailored Incentives: In addition to a highly competitive salary based on experience, we offer incredible tailored incentives, including private healthcare, to ensure our team feels valued and appreciated.

7. Be Part of Something Unique: By joining Mulberry Foster Care, you'll be part of a team that is reshaping the landscape of foster care, one family at a time. Together, we're creating positive change and making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Take the Step, Make a Difference: If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to join Mulberry Foster Care. Together, we can create brighter futures and build stronger communities.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly unique. Apply now and embark on a rewarding journey with Mulberry Foster Care. Your passion and dedication can change lives.

For more information and to request a job application, please email jane.carver@mulberryfostercare.co.uk or contact us on 01989 550955 to find out more!

We are officially live!

4th April 2024

Dear Mulberry Foster Care Community,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website! After months of hard work and dedication, we're excited to unveil an online platform designed to enhance your experience with Mulberry Foster Care.

Our mission has always been to provide unwavering support and care to foster children and families. With this new website, we're taking that commitment to the digital realm, making resources, information, and support more accessible than ever before.

So, what can you expect from the new Mulberry Foster Care website?

Youth Corner: We understand the importance of providing a space where young individuals in foster care can feel heard, supported, and empowered. That's why we've dedicated a special section of our website just for them. The Youth Corner offers a safe and welcoming environment where foster youth can find resources, connect with peers, and access support services tailored to their needs.

Blog: Our blog is where you'll find a treasure trove of insights, stories, and valuable information related to foster care. From personal narratives shared by individuals who have experienced the foster care system firsthand to tips for foster parents and professionals, our blog covers a wide range of topics aimed at informing, inspiring, and supporting our community.

Events Calendar: Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, workshops, and support groups through our events calendar. From training sessions for foster parents to fun activities for foster youth, there's always something happening in the Mulberry Foster Care community.

We invite you to explore our new website and discover all the features it has to offer. Whether you're a foster parent, a foster youth, a social worker, or someone interested in supporting our cause, there's something here for everyone.

At Mulberry Foster Care, we're committed to making a positive difference in the lives of foster children and families. Our new website is just one more way we're working towards that goal.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve you through our new online platform.