24th November 2025
Our fostering team will be on campus at St Mary’s University College Belfast between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday 25 November, to chat with staff and students about fostering and the profound impact it can have on the life of a child or young person in need.
We are delighted to work in partnership and strengthen our links with the education sector as we share a common goal of supporting our young people to reach their full potential, whatever their background or personal circumstances.
There are currently 3,514 children and young people living in foster care in Northern Ireland. As this figure continues to rise year on year, there is an urgent need for more foster carers.
Fostering needs are as diverse as the children themselves, from homes for siblings and teenagers, to young refugees and children with additional needs. Every child and young person deserves an encouraging environment where they can thrive.
You are invited to come along and ask any questions you may have about fostering. HSC NI Foster Care staff and foster carers will be on hand to discuss the wide range of opportunities available and explain how fostering can fit into various lifestyles and personal circumstances.
Eimear Hanna, Head of Service for Fostering and Adoption (Belfast) at HSC NI Foster Care, said:
“We are delighted to work in partnership with St Mary’s University College and strengthen our links with the education sector as we share a common goal of supporting our young people to reach their full potential, whatever their background or personal circumstances.
“We want to spread our fostering message to highlight the positive difference fostering can make in a child or young person’s life. We need caring, compassionate people from all walks of life to come forward and provide foster homes across Northern Ireland.
There are different ways to get involved as not all foster care requires a full-time commitment. Come along to the information stand on Tuesday 25 November, chat to the team and find out more.”
Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St Mary’s University College, said:
“St Mary’s University College is pleased to support and work with HSC NI Foster Care and to raise awareness about fostering. We wish to encourage students and staff to learn more about the vital role foster carers have in transforming the lives of young people in need. Our college is committed to supporting all young people and widening access to higher education.”
There is no ‘typical’ foster carer profile; whether you’re single or married, a homeowner or renter, a parent or not, fostering could be an option for you. And there are lots of ways to get involved from long-term care to short-term, short breaks, emergency, or Supported Lodgings/STAY opportunities, which may offer greater flexibility if you work.
Foster carers with HSC NI Foster Care benefit from 24/7 social work support, dedicated training opportunities, financial allowances, access to family activities and support groups, and more.
St Mary’s University College Belfast recognises that young people who have spent time in foster or residential care can often face unique challenges in accessing and completing higher education.
The College is committed to widening access to education and as such, has developed a comprehensive suite of support for care-experienced students. For more information the support available, the dedicated point of contact in the College is Damien Ball.