Welcome to Three Circles!
We understand that being in foster care can bring about a range of emotions and questions. That's why we have created this dedicated page just for you, where you can access important resources, find useful information, and connect with a supportive community of young people who have experienced foster care firsthand.
We believe in the power of your voice and the importance of advocating for your needs. Our website provides opportunities for you to share your stories, perspectives, and ideas. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey with Three Circles. Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Together, we can navigate the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and empower one another to create a brighter future.
Take a moment to explore the resources and information available on this page (ask a trusted grown up for help if you need), and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions. Welcome to the Three Circles community!
Share Your Views
Share Your Views
We want to hear from you! Your insights can help shape policies, influence change, and create a system that truly meets the needs of young people like you. If you have a question, some feedback, suggestions for events, a complaint - or just want to talk. Click the button below and share your views with us :)
It is important that you know that anything you share will be recorded and may be passed on to your social worker. If you need to talk to someone confidentially (this means that they won’t tell anybody - unless they are worried for your safety), then call Childline on 0800 1111.
Welcome guides
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Age 5-8 welcome guide
This welcome guide is here to introduce you to the amazing world of fostering and help you navigate this new chapter with confidence and joy!
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Age 9-12 welcome guide
Download your welcome guide for ages 9-12 now and get ready to explore the incredible world of fostering!
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Age 13-18 welcome guide
This welcome guide for age 13-18 is here to show you all about Three Circles, give you some links to useful resources and where to share your views :)
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Children who foster welcome guide
For the children of foster carers or foster carers to be. Made by children who foster for you! Full of lots of useful info and where to find out more!
Useful info
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If you are not happy with Three Circles Fostering you could call Ofsted to tell them on: 0300 123 1231. Do you need help to do this? Speak with an adult you trust and they will be able to help you. You can also call us on 01625 533531 and we will help you to contact Ofsted.
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Childline is a trusted and supportive resource for young people like you. If you ever need someone to talk to or seek help, Childline is just a phone call away. Their dedicated counselors are available 24/7 to listen, provide guidance, and offer support in any challenging situation you may be facing. You can reach out to them by calling their free and confidential helpline at 08001111. Remember, you're never alone when Childline is there to lend a caring ear and help you through any difficulty you may be experiencing.
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An Advocate stands out from other professionals in a unique way. Their role is to provide assistance and support to ensure that you are actively engaged in every decision concerning your life. Advocates are there to empower you to raise your voice when things don't go as planned. They ensure that you are well-informed about your rights and help you access the necessary support from Children's Services. With an Advocate by your side, you have someone dedicated to ensuring your needs and interests are prioritised.
Talk to your social worker to request an advocate or get in touch with us on 01625533531 and we will help. Click the link below to find your advocacy service.
https://coramvoice.org.uk/get-help/find-your-local-service/advocacy/
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Discover Essential Online Safety Resources at Thinkuknow!
Ensuring your online safety is of paramount importance, and we're here to help. We invite you to explore the wealth of invaluable resources available at Thinkuknow. This trusted platform provides a comprehensive range of materials, tips, and advice to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely.
It is separated by age group so click on the button that links to your age.
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Become: https://becomecharity.org.uk/
Become is a national charity that provides support and resources for children and young people in care or who have experienced care. Their website offers information, advice, and opportunities for care-experienced young people.
The Who Cares? Trust: https://www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/
The Who Cares? Trust is a charity that supports children in care and care leavers. Their website provides information, resources, and advocacy services for young people in care.
Voices From Care: https://www.voicesfromcare.org.uk/
Voices From Care is an organisation run by and for care-experienced young people. Their website offers a platform for young people to share their stories, get involved in campaigns, and access support.
Coram Voice: https://coramvoice.org.uk/
Coram Voice is a national charity that supports children and young people in care. Their website provides information, advocacy services, and resources to help young people have their voices heard.
Care Leavers' Association: https://www.careleavers.com/
The Care Leavers' Association is an organisation that supports care leavers of all ages. Their website offers information, resources, and a platform for care leavers to connect and share their experiences.
Care Leavers' Foundation: https://www.careleaversfoundation.org/
The Care Leavers' Foundation is a charity that provides grants and support to care leavers. Their website offers information about available support and opportunities for care-experienced young people.
Help at Hand: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/help-at-hand/
Help at Hand is the Children’s Commissioner’s advice and assistance service for children in care, children who have a social worker or are working with social services, children living away from home and care leavers.
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Hello! We know how important it is to know about your rights. That is why we have created a scheme of resources just for you. No matter where you are on your care journey we are with you every step of the way!
Shopping and cooking (age 11 and over)
All about the money (age 13 and over)
Digital enterprise award (age 11 and over)
Health and wellbeing (age 13 and over)
Higher education (age 16 and over)
Preparing for the world of work (age 13 and over)
Groups and events
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Events
We run lots of events across Manchester, Liverpool and Yorkshire through the year. Previous events have included ice skating, climbing and theme park trips. Ask your carers about what is coming up. If you have a suggestion for an event, ask your carer to drop us an email using the link below, or you can do this directly if you have an email address!
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Catalyst group
The catalyst group is for any child age 11+ from Three Circles Fostering. We meet every half term. Download the flyer below, made by the children of the group to find out more!
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Next steps group
The Next Steps group is for young people aged 16-25 who have left the care of Three Circles Fostering and want to stay connected/ support us with agency developments. We offer a £10 voucher to each person who attends. Email us by clicking Join below to get in touch and learn more!
Important people
Independent visitor
An adult friend for children. They may visit and do fun things like going to the cinema or the zoo. If you would like one, tell your social worker and it can be arranged
NT&AS teacher
Help you to make sure you enjoy school. They can help you with homework or anything you are finding hard at school.
Glossary
Judge
A person who sits at court hearing cases and makes decisions about the outcome
Supervising social worker
They help your foster carer to look after you
Social worker
Their job is to talk to you and your family to make sure you all know what is happening and that decisions made are right for you
Legal
To do with the law
Children’s guardian
May talk to you about what you think about your life. They make sure the judge in court knows all about you.
Independent reviewing officer
Chair the review meetings and make sure you have a voice at the meeting. Their role is to make sure everybody does what they agreed to do.
Care review
To look at something again. In your review everyone who works with you will talk about how you are doing and what should happen next
Advocate
A person who helps you to speak about what you want
Care order
Means that the local authority can make decisions about who you will live with
CAMHS
People who work with young people who have emotional or mental health difficulties