Swindon Borough Council launched an appeal for more local foster carers on Monday 11 May 2026, the first day of Foster Care Fortnight, in partnership with Swindon's Bus Company.
Foster carers and bus drivers stood among six buses to make the point. The council said more than 300 children in Swindon were in care, enough to fill four single-deck and two double-deck buses.
Why did the council need more foster carers?
Brenda McInerney, Director of Children's Services at the council, said: "Our foster carers change the lives of children in our community every day but we simply don't have enough of them."
The council also set out the cost. A residential placement could cost it up to £16,710 a week, against just over £1,100 a week for a foster placement.
A local foster mum named as Eileen said: "Fostering isn't about grand gestures, it's about everyday moments."
Alison Coles, Service Delivery Manager at the bus company, said: "We're proud to get on board with this important campaign."
Where could people find out more?
During the fortnight, which ran from 11 to 24 May 2026, the fostering team held drop-in sessions around the town. The venues listed were Park South Library, NatWest in the town centre, the Co-op in Old Town, Tesco Extra on Ocotal Way, the Link Centre, the Outlet Village, Asda at the Orbital, Morrisons on Dorcan Way, Waitrose at Wichelstowe, Central Library and the parkrun at Lydiard Park on Saturday 23 May.
Source: Swindon Borough Council.
More from Swindo: Fostering with Swindon Borough Council.
Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction
