Gloucestershire County Council Fostering is looking for residents with a spare room in their home to provide temporary care for unaccompanied children seeking sanctuary in the UK.
The council is asking people to open up their spare room to a young person legally seeking asylum in the UK, that has been separated from their family – offering them safety, care and stability while their long-term future is being decided.
This type of care is suited for those with experience in fostering or who have considered fostering before, as well as people involved in education, health and care, community volunteering, and social or humanitarian work – and Gloucestershire County Council Fostering is hosting a Room to Care information event in Stroud on Tuesday 28 April 2026, for anyone interested in learning more and finding out how to get involved.
There's no need for foster carers to speak another language, as full training and support – including interpreters, cultural resources and dedicated support workers – are provided by Gloucestershire County Council Fostering's local team, along with financial support.
The main thing that's required, in addition to a spare room, is a willingness to care and learn.
Though many unaccompanied children arriving in the UK have experienced hardships, they can thrive in stable, caring environments where they have access to the same things that every young person needs to succeed – safe accommodation, food, school and a trusted carer.
Anyone interested in fostering an unaccompanied child is invited to attend Gloucestershire County Council Fostering's free, informal Room to Care information session from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at Stroud Congregational Church, to find out about the process.
For more information about the event, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering/events or to register for a place email fostering@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
