Foster carers in Swindon have joined forces with Swindon’s Bus Company in a new campaign aimed at encouraging more local people to consider fostering.
The initiative, launched as part of Foster Care Fortnight, used six buses to represent the number of children currently in care across the town — more than 300 in total.
Carers and bus drivers gathered together beside four single-decker buses and two double-deckers to highlight the growing demand for safe and supportive homes for children and young people in Swindon.
The campaign forms part of a partnership between Swindon Borough Council’s fostering team and Swindon’s Bus Company, with organisers hoping the visual display will encourage more residents to come forward.
Alison Coles, Service Delivery Manager at Swindon’s Bus Company, said the scale of the issue became clear when represented physically.
“We’re proud to get on board with this important campaign,” she said.
“When you see six buses lined up and realise each one represents dozens of children needing support, it really brings the message home. We hope this encourages more people to step forward.”
Local foster carer Eileen said fostering was often about offering stability through ordinary moments rather than dramatic gestures.
“Fostering isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about everyday moments,” she said.
“Seeing the buses lined up reminded me that every child deserves a seat on a safe journey. You can be the person who helps them find their route.”
Swindon Borough Council says increasing the number of foster carers would not only improve outcomes for children but also reduce pressure on public finances.
According to the council, residential placements can cost up to £16,710 per week, while foster placements cost just over £1,100 weekly.
Brenda McInerney, Director of Children’s Services at Swindon Borough Council, said keeping children closer to their communities remained a priority.
“Our foster carers change the lives of children in our community every day but we simply don’t have enough of them,” she said.
“With more carers, we can keep young people closer to the places and people they know, sparing them the added upheaval of moving away during an already challenging period.”
She added that residents interested in fostering would be able to speak directly with experienced carers and council staff throughout the campaign.
During Foster Care Fortnight, the fostering team will visit libraries, supermarkets and community venues across Swindon to answer questions and share information about becoming a foster carer.
Information events are being held at locations including Park South Library, the Outlet Village, Central Library, Tesco Extra, Waitrose Wichelstowe and Lydiard Park.
Residents wanting to find out more can visit the council’s fostering website or contact the team directly by telephone.
- Thursday, 14 May 2026 at the Co‑op, Old Town (SN1 3EG), from 11am until 3pm
- Friday, 15 May 2026 at Tesco Extra, Ocotal Way (SN1 2EH), from 11am until 3pm
- Saturday, 16 May 2026 at the Link Centre (SN5 7DL), from 9am until 1pm
- Monday, 18 May 2026 at the Outlet Village (SN2 2DY), from 10am until 3pm
- Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at Asda Walmart, Orbital (SN25 4BG), from 11am until 3pm
- Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at Morrisons, Dorcan Way (SN3 3TX), from 11am until 3pm
- Thursday, 21 May 2026 at Waitrose, Wichelstowe (SN1 7BX), from 11am until 3pm
- Friday, 22 May 2026 at Central Library (SN1 1QG), from 12pm until 4pm
- Saturday, 23 May 2026 at Parkrun, Lydiard Park (SN5 3PA), from 9am until 10:30am
