“If I didn’t have my foster parents in my life, it would have been so easy for me to go down the wrong path,” Brad said. “I would not be where I am today.”
Striking a Caring Chord: Brad Kella Urges More People to Foster in a New Film
A powerful new video featuring The Piano 2024 winner Brad Kella sharing the impact that fostering has had on his life, has been released as part of a national campaign by the Fairer Fostering Partnership. Brad and this group of of charitable and not-for-profit fostering organisations are highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers across the UK.
The Foster Care Charity, a proud member of the Partnership, is sharing the film to encourage more people in England to consider fostering and make a difference to the lives of children and young people.
Brad, a self-taught pianist from Liverpool, was placed in foster care at the age of seven. Now, through this film, he’s telling his story to help others understand just how life-changing foster care can be and to urge people to take action.
“The impact that fostering’s had on my life – I can’t even put it into words. If you’re out there thinking about fostering a child, don’t think about it – just do it. Because you’re not just making an impact for that child, you’re making a massive impact for the society around you.”
The film launches during Foster Care Fortnight (May 2025), as the UK foster care system faces unprecedented pressure. There are now 104,358 children in care away from home, with 68,000 living with around 52,000 foster families – two-thirds of all children in care. But the number of carers is not keeping pace with growing need.
A child comes into care every 20 minutes – and without enough foster carers children are often placed far from school, friends and community.
“Right now, there are children across England who need someone to stand by them, believe in them, and give them a place to call home. We urgently need more foster carers to join the Foster Care Charity family — to offer love, stability, and a fresh start. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to take that step and change a child’s life forever.” said Steve Field, Director of Child Care for The Foster Care Charity.
This video is a powerful reminder of the difference fostering can make – not just to one child, but to families, communities, and wider society.
What Our Foster Carers Think!
❤️ Sue & Tony, Gloucestershire: “We’ve fostered for over 15 years and supported so many children into independence. It’s been an honour to be part of their lives and watch them grow into happy, confident young adults.” (Read their story)
💙 Dave & Mary, Birmingham: “It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. Seeing the children we’ve fostered go on to succeed in life is incredible. We’re so proud of every single one of them.” (Read more)
Fostering gives children the stability they need during critical developmental years, helping them build resilience and independence to succeed in adulthood. The combination of care, structure, and encouragement fosters security, allowing children to focus on their future. Click here to read more foster carer stories.
Common Worries About Fostering (And Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Stop You!)
❓ “I don’t know if I’m ‘qualified’ to foster.”
💡 You don’t need special qualifications to foster—just a loving heart, a stable home, and the ability to provide care and support. We provide all the training you’ll need!
❓ “I don’t think I’d get enough support.”
💡 Fostering isn’t something you do alone. At The Foster Care Charity, we offer full training, 24/7 support, a supervising social worker dedicated to helping you be successful as well as a local network of carers who are always there to share advice and encouragement.
❓ “I’d get too attached and wouldn’t want to say goodbye.”
💡 We hear this a lot! It’s true—saying goodbye can be tough. But knowing you’ve made a real difference in a child’s life makes it all worthwhile.
Would you like to know more about becoming a foster carer?
Take the Next Step
📞 Call us today to learn more – UK FreePhone 0800 0856 538
📍 Book an appointment with our team via our at Contact Us page
📺 Watch our real foster carer stories on our YouTube channel
There are children out there who need someone just like you. Could you open your home and heart to them? We hope you’ll consider it—you won’t regret it. ❤️
