An urgent call for more foster carers has been issued by Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, during a visit to Swindon Designer Outlet.
Councillor Robbins, who is himself a former foster carer, highlighted the importance of keeping children in care close to their homes, schools and communities.
At the event, 130 empty drawstring bags were displayed in the shopping centre to represent the 130 Swindon children currently living more than 20 miles away due to a shortage of local foster carers.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Robbins said:
“We urgently need more foster carers in Swindon. When children are placed far away, they lose the day-to-day connections that help them feel rooted and secure including their family, their friends, their school and their sense of belonging.
“Today’s display is a stark reminder that every one of these children deserves the chance to grow up in the place they call home. As someone who has fostered, I know how utterly life-changing it can be for a child as well as for the adults who support them. If you can offer a safe, stable and loving home, I’m asking you to come forward and talk to our team. You can make an extraordinary difference.”
Children placed out of area
As of January 2026, the Council was caring for 346 children, supported by 73 foster carers. As a result, 37 per cent of children in care are placed outside the Borough due to a lack of local placements.
Young people placed out of area can miss vital connections with family, friends and schools. The Council also faces higher costs for external placements at a time when local authority finances are under significant pressure.
Shoppers at the outlet were able to speak with Swindon-based foster carers and members of the Council’s fostering team about the training, support and guidance available.
Local foster carer Sean said he and his wife decided to foster after seeing how many children were placed out of county because of limited placements in Swindon.
He described fostering as “very rewarding and meaningful”, adding that the support and guidance carers can give to children who have experienced trauma is something that “will last with you forever”. He also praised the support provided by social workers and encouraged others to consider fostering with the Council.
The authority is seeking carers from all backgrounds who can offer a safe and nurturing home, helping children and young people remain in Swindon rather than moving out of the Borough to receive care.
Anyone interested in fostering can arrange an informal chat with the team by searching “fostering” on the Council’s website.
