If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer and want to find out more, you can come for a coffee and an informal chat with a member of Torbay Council’s Fostering team at a number of events throughout August.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay, said:  “Providing a safe and loving foster or adoptive home, is one of the best gifts you can give to a cared for child, but many of our local Foster Carers have also described fostering as a privilege.

“We are particularly looking for short breaks Foster Carers in Torbay, as well as respite or stay over Fostering, though we need all types of Foster Carers.

“Local Foster Carers will get a range of support from our Children’s Services, recently rated Good for the second time in a row by Ofsted. We were also recently awarded our Child Friendly Certificate of Commitment by UNICEF UK.

“We are committed to doing the best for our children here in Torbay and really want to hear from you if you are thinking about Fostering. Please do come and have a chat to a member of our Fostering team at one of our events.”

August 2026 Fostering events

• Saturday 1 August, 11am to 6.30pm: Shaldon Beach Water Carnival, Marine Parade, Shaldon, Devon, TQ14 0LD.
• Sunday 2 August, 10am to 4pm: Bovey Tracey Grand Summer Fete, Mills Marsh Park, Southbrook Lane, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9NB.
• Saturday 8 August, 10am to 4pm: Green Top Market, The Banjo, Princess Gardens, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
• Sunday 9 August, 10am to 6pm: Babbacombe Fayre, Reddenhill Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3NT.
• Thursday 13 August from 11am: Fair Play Day, Torre Abbey Meadows, The King's Drive, Torquay. Please note: This event is strictly for SEND children, young carers, and families living in Torbay postcodes.
• Saturday 15 August, 2pm to 7pm: Newton Summer Sounds, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Newton Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3AF.
• Sunday 16 August, 10am to 5pm: Dawlish Carnival, The Lawn, The Strand, Dawlish, EX7 9PS.
• Sunday 17 August, 12pm to 2pm: Drop in session at Aqualounge (café), Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ.
• Saturday 22 August, 10am to 6pm: Torre Abbey Summer Fair, Torre Abbey, The King's Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE.
• Sunday 23 August, 10am to 6pm: Lions Club Family Fun Day, Youngs Park, 18, Youngs Park Road, Goodrington, TQ4 6BU.
• Sunday 29 August, 10am to 4pm: Green Top Market, The Banjo, Princess Gardens, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ

Why Foster with Torbay?

If you Foster with Torbay you will get access to:  

• Extensive support and training 
• a dedicated social worker 
• Mentoring from an experienced Foster Carer 
• Support phone line 
• access to a support network including local Foster Carers Forum 
• events for you and your family throughout the year from a summer barbecue to Christmas party and the Train of Lights. 
• Free beach hut access and other benefits such as free passes for Paignton Zoo and free tickets for home games at Torquay United, plus much more.

Find out more

If you can’t attend but are interested in Fostering you can still contact the Fostering service on 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or complete an enquiry form via our Fostering webpages. 

You can also search #FosterWithTorbay on our social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and NextDoor.

Find out more about our Child Friendly work in Torbay. 

Jobs in Children’s Services

There are also currently roles available in our Children’s Services team - visit the Torbay Jobs website to find out more. 

Pictured are the Mood Bear Fostering mascot from Fostering South West, and Gilbert the Gull, Torquay United Football Club's mascot.