Perks and benefits
We truly appreciate the work that foster carers do. Below are some of the perks and benefits that we offer.
Blue Light is a scheme that recognises the hard work and commitment of people carrying out some of the most important jobs in the community. It’s open to frontline workers – emergency response, NHS, coastguard, as well as familiar organisations like St John Ambulance and the Red Cross. Now, foster carers are also eligible to apply for a Blue Light card.
The Blue Light card provides a wide range of online and in-store discounts. Working with small and large companies across the UK, they saved their members over £100 million in total last year.
Speak to your allocated Action for Children Fostering social worker to find out how to apply.
Blue Light tickets is a platform that hosts tickets for music, family attractions, sporting, and comedy events. You can browse future events and if you find something that interests you, enter a ballot to receive free tickets. To register you must already have a Blue Light card.
Similar to the Blue Light Card, the Max Card is another scheme that offers discounts to foster families and families with children who have additional needs. This card is really beneficial to foster carers who want to visit amusement parks and family attractions.
Max Card discounts can be used to gain free or discounted admission to venues across the UK. This makes fun family days out more affordable for foster families, helping to enrich your foster child’s life further without worrying about the cost.
This online website offers a wide range of discounts and free items for foster carers; including deals on shopping, travel, motoring, finance, utilities, and insurance. These discounts are provided by nationwide and independent businesses who wish to support foster carers and the amazing work that you do.
There is currently a desperate shortage of foster carers across the UK, with over 30,000 young people entering the care system each year. We’re offering an incentive to our existing foster carers and staff to help spread the word and encourage their communities to consider fostering.
If you refer a friend, contact, or someone you know to foster with Action for Children Fostering you’ll receive a £50 voucher of your choice if we follow up with a home visit, and a further £450 if they’re approved as a foster carer with us.
All you need to do is send their contact details to your local fostering team who will then get in touch with them, or ask your friend to get in touch with us. Make sure they give us your name so we know who to send the voucher to.
Please note: our fostering services cover most of the UK. We recruit foster carers in geographical areas where we can offer the necessary support. Get in touch to find out if your area is covered.
The process to become a foster carer can take around 6-9 months, we’ll let you know when the application concludes and, if it’s successful, we’ll send you the remaining vouchers.
As soon as you become approved as an Action for Children foster carer, you will be automatically enrolled as a member of The Fostering Network.
The Fostering Network supports foster carers to transform children’s lives. They work with us and other fostering services to develop and share best practice.
Membership with The Fostering Network also means you can get help with any legal expenses, financial advice, holidays and family days out.
These include places like Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures and attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Aquariums.
The Fostering Network also provides advice on many aspects of fostering through its helpline.
Did you know that foster carers can be eligible for tax breaks from the government? We’ll help and guide you through all you need to know. Find out more.
Action for Children Fostering also provides a range of free activities and get togethers during the school holidays. Fun days out and support groups are a great way to get to know other foster families while trying something different and making happy memories.
Carers sometimes need time off so we aim to offer some planned break provision if this is suitable.
All of our foster carers are registered with The Fostering Network. This gives you access to additional support, offers, and advice.
Chat with your local team
We have offices across the UK in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Contact someone local to you by text, WhatsApp, email or phone. Whatever works best for you.
Your local team