Apex Fostering at the CYP Now Awards 2025

Last night, Apex Fostering proudly attended the Children and Young People Now Awards 2025. Our project, Not Just Heard – Empowered, was shortlisted for The Children in Care Award. Seeing our name during the finalist announcements was a powerful and emotional moment. It reflects how far our carers, staff, and young people have come together.

We didn’t take home the trophy, but we left feeling inspired and incredibly proud.

Being Shortlisted for the Core of Our Agency: Child-Centredness

For the last 18 months, Apex has embedded a co-created, child-led model across every part of our practice. This approach means young people help shape:

• The questions we ask prospective foster carers.

• The language and tools we use to welcome new children.

• Training topics for staff and carers.

• Resources like our animated welcome video and personalised boxes.

  
  

Our young people told us what they needed. And we listened.

“Being Child-Centred is our core value. This recognition showcases all the hard work from our carers, team, and the young people themselves. They put into words how we can better support them.

This award recognizes that being child-centred is not something we just do; it is something we are.”

— Sali Walker, Founder of Apex Fostering

A Community That Makes It Possible

This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the incredible commitment of our team and foster carers. Every Apex staff member, from social workers to admin, contributes to a culture of centering the young people as co-creators of their care journey.

Our foster carers are the heartbeat of this work. They create safe, nurturing homes where children feel seen, heard, and understood. Their willingness to embrace a truly child-led approach makes this UK fostering agency unique and effective.

Thank you. We see you, and we value you, always.

Celebrating Change-Makers Across the UK

We also want to thank the CYP Now Awards organisers and judges for highlighting our work. They curated an event filled with incredible projects. Throughout the evening, we connected with people tackling urgent issues across the sector. These included supporting young people in court, reducing youth violence, and using comics as tools for expression.

It reminded us that we’re not alone. We’re part of a national community working to improve life for children in and outside of care.

“Seeing so many impactful projects across the UK being represented in one room boosted our motivation significantly. Over the last 18 months, we have worked hard to deepen and strengthen our work as a child-centred agency. Seeing so many people committed to improving UK youth inspired us further. We hope to collaborate with some of these projects in the future.”

— Ezra Fyrand, Creative & Marketing Manager, Apex Fostering

Why Recognition Like This Matters

This nomination is more than a milestone. It’s validation that ethical, innovative fostering is possible. It helps us attract carers who want to make a real difference. It shows that when you put children’s voices first, everyone benefits.

Being a finalist is a reminder: we’re on the right path. But there’s still more to do.

We discuss our ongoing efforts to build Apex as a child-led agency in our recent episode of 'On The Sofa With Sal.' In the interview, we cover our recently conducted internal report on young people's participation in the agency.

Join Us in Creating the Future of Fostering

To every supporter, carer, child, and team member: thank you. You’ve helped build something truly special.

And to those who are considering fostering: we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re exploring the idea or are ready to take the first step, we’re here to walk with you. If you know someone who’d be a great foster carer, you can refer them to us and receive a £2000 thank you gift when the carers are approved.

When you foster with Apex, you’re not just joining a fostering agency. You’re becoming part of a community where young people’s voices are heard, empowered, and wanted.

Let's Talk Fostering

The Importance of Community Support in Fostering

Fostering is not just about providing a home. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. This requires a strong support system. Community support plays a vital role in this process.

When foster carers feel supported, they can provide better care. This leads to improved outcomes for children. Community connections help foster carers share experiences and resources. They also create a network of emotional support.

Building Connections with Local Resources

Local resources can enhance the fostering experience. These include schools, healthcare providers, and community groups. Engaging with these resources helps foster carers meet the needs of the children in their care.

It’s essential to build relationships with local organisations. This can provide additional support and opportunities for children.

Advocacy and Awareness

Advocacy is crucial in fostering. Raising awareness about the needs of children in care can lead to more support. It can also encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.

Communities can come together to advocate for better resources and policies. This collective effort can create a positive impact on the fostering landscape.

The Journey of a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It requires commitment, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

Understanding the Process

The fostering process can seem daunting. However, understanding the steps involved can make it easier. It starts with an application, followed by assessments and training.

Once approved, foster carers receive ongoing support. This includes training and resources to help them succeed.

The Role of Training

Training is crucial for foster carers. It equips them with the skills needed to support children effectively. Topics may include trauma-informed care, communication strategies, and child development.

Ongoing training ensures that foster carers stay informed about best practices. This benefits both the carers and the children in their care.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Fostering is a rewarding experience that can change lives. If you’re considering fostering, now is the time to act. Reach out to us to learn more about the process.

Together, we can create a brighter future for children in care. Join us in making a difference today.