Living Alongside Young People: Foster Care & Creative Healing

What this episode covers

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy Baker speaks with Helen Archer, a long-term foster carer, writer, and passionate advocate for care-experienced young people. With over 30 years in roles from nannying and social work to lecturing and recruiting foster carers, Helen brings deep lived experience and emotional insight into what it means to “live alongside” teenagers in care. She opens up about trauma-informed practice, the life-changing power of creative writing, and the unseen challenges of leaving care — known as the “care cliff.” Whether you’re a carer, teacher, social worker, or simply someone who believes in the power of compassion, this conversation will stay with you. 💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK The Able to Care Podcast is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s number one carers card.Founded by two best friends, Carers Card UK offers recognition, rewards, and community for paid and unpaid carers. For less than the price of a box of chocolates per year, you’ll unlock: An official ID card Access to emergency info Discounts on gyms, days out, clothing, electrical goods & more A wellbeing hub and Carers Circle toolOrder yours today: carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Carers Card UK – carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare Helen Archer’s Books – Cookies and Oxygen Publishing CLOSER – Care Leavers Ongoing Support and Resources (Hertfordshire initiative) – [Add link if available] Andy Baker’s Book – Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge – Order here 🧠 Three Key Messages Living alongside, not above – Being truly present with young people in care means sharing the everyday moments, offering advocacy, and holding space during their hardest times. Creativity heals – Writing and storytelling give young people a safe way to process trauma, reclaim their narrative, and explore identity. The care cliff is real – Turning 18 can mean a sudden loss of support for care leavers; building networks and community events can be life-changing. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK02:05 – Helen’s career journey and why foster care is her calling06:13 – What “living alongside” young people really means11:10 – Creative writing as a therapeutic tool18:00 – Reading aloud and building attachment25:01 – Writing as self-care for carers29:35 – Advocating for young people leaving care & the “care cliff”41:10 – Founding CLOSER and supporting care leavers at Christmas45:06 – The rewards and challenges of fostering54:50 – The emotional resilience needed for the role57:20 – Why some placements need to change to help children thrive01:00:01 – Equipping future social workers with trauma awareness01:01:31 – Final reflections and call to action 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be a foster carer, this episode is essential listening. Helen’s openness about the highs, lows, and deeply personal moments of fostering offers both inspiration and practical insight. You’ll learn about the transformative power of creativity, the importance of building long-term relationships, and the urgent need to better support care leavers. This is a conversation that challenges assumptions, fuels empathy, and calls for action. 🔗 Connect with Us 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining📲 LinkedIn: Able Training📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

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