As the festive lights dim and the quiet of January settles in, there is a distinct shift in the air. The New Year is more than just a change of date; it is a universal invitation to pause. While many of us focus on traditional resolutions – health, habits, organization – there is often a quieter, deeper urge that surfaces this time of year: the desire to do something meaningful.
We often feel a pull to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. At Origins Foster Care, we believe 2026 isn't just about self-improvement; it is about the impact we can have on the world around us.
Why do people choose to foster? There is no single answer, just as there is no single type of foster carer.
Whatever the motivation, the common thread is a desire for connection and a willingness to offer stability to a child who desperately needs it.
It is easy to look at experienced foster carers and see only their confidence and skill. But it is important to remember that every single one of them started in the exact same place: with a question.
They didn't start as experts. They started with a quiet thought over a cup of tea: “Maybe I could do this.”
That "maybe" is a powerful thing. It is the seed of courage. At Origins, we honor that initial thought. We know that behind every inquiry is a person stepping out of their comfort zone, driven by the hope of making a difference.
We know that picking up the phone or sending an email can feel daunting. There is a fear that asking a question signs you up for a lifetime commitment before you are ready.
We want to reframe that for 2026. Exploring fostering is not a contract – it is a conversation.
When you reach out to the Origins team, you aren't signing a dotted line. You are simply opening a door. We are here to answer your questions honestly, to listen to your circumstances, and to help you decide if this is the right path for you right now. If the answer is "not yet," that is okay, too.
As you look forward to the next twelve months, try to imagine the year defined not by resolutions, but by relationships. Imagine a year where your patience helps a child feel safe. Imagine a year where your home becomes the foundation for someone else’s future.
If you have been thinking about fostering, let 2026 be the year you turn that thought into a conversation. We are ready to listen and if you'd like to take your first steps, you can:
→ Learn more about the supports Origins provides every foster carer
→ Explore our Become a Foster Carer page to see how you can get started fostering
→ Join one of our upcoming online Fostering Info Sessions
→ Or Apply Online to Become a Foster Carer if you're ready to take the next step
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
