Dedicated Rhondda Cynon Taf foster carers have won a national award for the outstanding support they provide their fellow carers, children, young people and families.
Foster Wales RCT’s Pioneers were recognised by the Fostering Network for their extraordinary commitment to their peers and to the continued raising of standards in fostering.
Tracy and Matthew Lockyer, Tracy and Lee Grenter, Tyrone Willams, Tim and Tor Rickards, Sue Smith, Danielle Gauvain, Sian Roberts, Zoe and Mike Tutton, Ruth Hawkins and Leah Howells are all Pioneers - experienced carers who share their skills and knowledge with their peers.
Each has helped to create a nurturing and professional environment in which lived experience develops skills and confidence.
They play an important role in supporting newly approved foster carers and work collectively to shape policy and further improvements, often on a national level.
Pioneers are also at the forefront of the public events and information campaigns organised to raise awareness of the importance of foster care.
Their commitment to collaboration and peer support has strengthened fostering across RCT and helped improve outcomes for children in care, leading to the Fostering Network recognising Pioneers with the Group Award at its annual Wellbeing Conference.
As well as being testament to the commitment of the Pioneers, the award serves as recognition of the high-quality environment Foster Wales RCT has strived to create to support its carers and, in turn, local children, young people and families.
Cllr Sharon Rees, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, including Foster Care, said: “Each Foster Wales RCT carer is an extraordinary individual using their own skills and insights to offer the best local care for local children and young people. We are proud of them all.
“The Pioneer scheme allows some of our longer-standing foster carers to share their extensive skills and lived experience with their peers. They create an environment of strong peer support and mentorship and support the development of further skills and confidence.
“Pioneers play a vital role in encouraging more people to consider fostering and supporting new carers to Foster Wales RCT – reassuring those who have never fostered before and welcoming those who have joined the service from other fostering organisations.
“Who better to take you under their wing than someone who was once a new carer themselves and now has years of skills and experience to share?
“Well done to the Pioneers, this award is a recognition of the vital work that you do and is well-deserved. Thank you for helping us to shape an effective, professional and nurturing fostering service.
“Mention must also be made to the wider Fostering RCT team and support workers, who recognise that to provide the best-possible service to the people who need us the most, we often have to develop brave approaches such as this.”
Pioneer Foster Carer Tracy Grenter said: “For me it’s about full circle. I had fantastic support when I first started fostering ___ years ago.
“Now I get to inspire the next generation, so when I’m no longer a foster carer I know stories, experiences, and advice have all been passed down… so it’s full circle.
“I don’t consider this a job, it’s a vocation, but it is lovely to be recognised that what we do matters. Being part of the bigger picture, planting those seeds, watching our young people flourish. I don’t do this on my own, I’ve got a load of people behind me, and in life we’re all supported and I just think as foster carers, supporting each other who may have struggles just gives us strength and more strength and more strength.”
Fellow Pioneer Foster Carer Tyrone Griffiths said: “The recognition for doing something that we are so passionate about is lovely. It reinforces why we do it and reinforces our commitment to other foster carers, the children in our care, and other foster carers’ care too.
It’s that community support and it does take a village! We take it very seriously, so to be recognised is brilliant.”
Foster Wales RCT offers a comprehensive support package to its foster carers. Alongside a weekly allowance, local authority foster carers can expect to receive:
- Fantastic pioneer foster carers,
- Dedicated supervising social workers and support team,
- Retention payment of £1,000 paid in two £500 instalments
- Local support groups, including coffee support and walk & talks
- Extensive learning and development opportunities
- Free family leisure passes and other exclusive discounts
- Consultation events for foster carers to help shape the fostering service
Fostering can be anything from an overnight stay or a short-break, to something longer-term. No two children are the same and every single one will need something different out of foster care. That’s why there is no typical foster family in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Could you join our fostering community here in RCT?
We are holding an online information session on Monday 13th April, 7-8pm. This is an opportunity for you to receive information, ask questions and speak with recruitment officers and experienced foster carers from the comfort of your own home.
Secure your space here
Foster Wales RCT continues to welcome enquiries from individuals and families interested in fostering. More information here.
Posted on 06/03/2026