Fostering in Medway
Children in Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham and across the Medway Towns need foster carers. Call our Medway team on 01634 562074.
The Medway Towns of Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Rainham and Strood form one of the largest urban areas in the South East, with the Hoo Peninsula stretching out towards the Thames estuary. Medway is also its own local authority, separate from Kent County Council, and many of its children and young people need foster families close to home.
Lighthouse Fostering is an independent agency recruiting and supporting foster carers throughout Medway. We have a dedicated Medway phone line, 01634 562074, and our Kent team in Faversham is less than half an hour away, so help is always close by.
When children can stay in Medway while they're in foster care, they can keep going to the same school, see the same friends and stay connected to the community they know. That continuity matters enormously, and it's only possible when local people step forward to foster.
We were started by foster carers and care leavers, and we still put carers' voices at the heart of everything we do. Every Lighthouse carer is offered our 12-week therapeutic parenting course, a dedicated supervising social worker and pay of up to £40,040 a year per child. To find out more, call 01634 562074 or request a call back.
Can I foster if I'm retired or over 60?
Yes. There's no upper age limit for fostering. Many of our carers bring years of life experience, patience and flexibility, which can make a huge difference to a child. What matters is that you're healthy enough to meet a child's needs.
Can I foster teenagers if I've never fostered before?
Yes. Teenagers need foster carers just as much as younger children, and often wait longer for a family. Our training, including the 12-week therapeutic parenting course, will help you understand and support young people through the challenges they face.
I foster for Medway Council. Can I transfer to Lighthouse?
Yes. We regularly welcome approved foster carers from Medway Council and other agencies. We'll work with your current service so the transfer is smooth for you and any children in your care. Learn about transferring to Lighthouse.
Fostering in Chatham and Gillingham
Chatham and Gillingham are at the heart of Medway, with busy communities, good schools and plenty for families to do, from the historic dockyard to local parks and sports clubs. We support foster carers across both towns, as well as Walderslade, Lordswood and Luton, so children can stay rooted in the area they know.
Fostering in Rochester and Strood
Facing each other across the River Medway, Rochester and Strood are home to many children who need a safe, loving foster home. Whether you live near Rochester's historic high street or in Strood, Frindsbury or Wainscott, you could help a child feel settled and secure.
Fostering in Rainham and the Hoo Peninsula
From the family neighbourhoods of Rainham to the villages of the Hoo Peninsula, such as Hoo St Werburgh, High Halstow and Allhallows, Medway has quieter, greener communities too. Wherever you live, your supervising social worker will visit you at home and help you access local training and support.
Fostering teenagers in Medway
Teenagers are often the young people who wait longest for a foster home. They might be moody one day and hilarious the next, just like any teenager, but they need an adult who believes in them. With our therapeutic training and specialist support, you'll learn how to build trust and help a young person move confidently towards adulthood.
Already fostering? Transfer to Lighthouse
If you already foster for Medway Council or another agency but feel you need more support, a stronger voice or better recognition for your skills, you can move to Lighthouse. Our Reward Pathway rewards experience, our carer forum shapes the agency, and our team knows every carer personally. We'll guide you through every step of the transfer.