Shetland Islands Council has launched a new campaign highlighting the real experiences of carers and young people across Shetland, as part of efforts to recruit more Foster Carers in Shetland.
Children and young people in Shetland sometimes need to live away from their families, whether for short periods during a family crisis or for longer while circumstances are worked through. The Council is the only local fostering agency and relies on people across Shetland to provide safe, stable homes in their own communities.
The new campaign, launched during Foster Care Fortnight, focuses on the theme This is Fostering by sharing the voices of those with experience of fostering locally. It features four case studies from foster carers in Shetland, alongside an interview with members of the Council’s Family Placement Team, showing the many different ways fostering can work.
The carers featured come from a range of backgrounds and life stages, including working couples, retired carers and those living in rural and island settings. Their stories reflect the variety of placements available in Shetland, from short‑term and respite care to longer‑term fostering, and the relationships built with children over time.
As part of the campaign, a new email subscription service has been launched for people who want to find out more without any obligation to apply. Subscribers will receive a short series of emails over several weeks, sharing clear information about fostering, answers to common questions and real‑life experiences from local carers.
All campaign content is available at www.shetland.gov.uk/fostering, where people can read the case studies, watch short videos and sign up for emails. Residents are also encouraged to share the campaign with anyone they think might be interested in fostering, now or in the future.
There will also be an opportunity to meet members of the Family Placement Team and existing foster carers in person. A Fostering Walk will take place at 11am on Thursday 21 May at Shetland Museum and Archives, followed by food and informal networking Anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to attend.
Elaine Guest, Senior Social Worker at Shetland Islands Council, says: “Fostering looks different for everyone, and this campaign is about showing the reality of fostering in Shetland through the voices of local carers and young people. We need foster carers across Shetland, in town and in rural areas alike, and we want people to feel informed and supported as they consider whether fostering could be right for them. Even taking time to learn more or share the information with someone else can make a real difference.”