Connected carers
A dedicated space for foster carers to find local support groups and events that offer connection, a place to share, and promote wellbeing.
Explore events designed to bring carers together, discover peer support networks, and access wellbeing resources that make a real difference.
Whether you’re seeking community, advice, or opportunities to relax and recharge, everything here is focused on helping you feel supported and valued.
It takes a village to raise a child.
African proverb
Derby Diverse Carers Alliance
Derby Diverse Carers Alliance is all about making sure every carer’s voice counts. They work with carers from all walks of life to improve services, break down barriers, and build a strong, inclusive support network across Derby.
Their mission is to create a community where carers feel valued, understood, and supported—because caring matters.
Blue Sky Brokers
Blue Sky Brokers supports foster and other carers across Derby City and Derbyshire by offering expert advice, practical resources, and emotional guidance.
Through their Carers Champion, clinics, and community events, they provide clear information on rights, access to benefits, and wellbeing initiatives. They also offer free membership perks, training, and respite opportunities.
The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network supports foster carers across the UK by providing expert advice, training, and advocacy. They offer guidance on complex issues, create peer support networks, and campaign for better policies—helping carers feel valued and equipped to provide stable, nurturing homes for children in care.
The Fostering Network also facilitate The Mockingbird Programme.
FosterTalk
FosterTalk is a trusted organization that provides essential support and guidance for foster carers across the UK. They offer expert advice, legal protection, training, and 24/7 helplines to help carers feel confident and supported in their role.
Providing additional benefits like counselling, discounts, and a strong community network, FosterTalk is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people in care.
The SEND Dynamic C.I.C
The SEND Dynamic C.I.C are a community interest company (CIC), who offer support to parents and carers of young people with SEND to navigate the challenges found within education, health and care.
They run a FREE 8-week skills-based programme with therapy content and a peer support group held in Derby. They also offer regular free online support groups.
Derby Kinship Carers
Kinship is a UK-based charity that provide practical advice, emotional support, and access to resources such as peer support groups, training, and events.
Derby Kinship Carers run a peer support group open to kinship and special guardians in Derby and surrounding areas, every 4th Monday of each month, 10:30am-12pm.
Mermaids
Mermaids is a UK charity that supports transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse young people and their families.
They offer parents and carers practical and emotional support through online forums, peer support groups, and “What Now?” workshops for those new to the journey.
Local and online meet-ups provide safe spaces to connect, share experiences, and access advice, helping families feel less isolated and more confident in supporting their child’s wellbeing.