Fair Ways goes for gold after being nominated for three awards at the National Children & Young People Awards

Making a difference to the lives of young people in the care system is the ethos at Fair Ways, which has secured three finalist nominations at the National Children & Young People Awards.

The charity, which is an official partner with Portsmouth City Council, was established in 2002 and provides foster care, residential children’s homes, crisis care and specialist education.

Since 2021, the number of foster carers has dramatically dropped by 10 per cent, with a lack of space, financial pressures, burnout and misconceptions contributing to the decline.

There were approximately 232 fostering households in Portsmouth as of March 2025, all of whom work alongside the city council's dedicated fostering service, Foster Portsmouth.

In response to this worrying landscape, The News launched its ‘Fostering a Better Future’ campaign in August to support the recruitment drive of more foster careers. As part of this campaign, The News has been working with Foster Portsmouth and Fair Ways, both of which play a vital role in ensuring children have access to a safe and nurturing environment.

Despite the pressures of onboarding more foster parents, Fair Ways has been shortlisted for three awards - Biggest Impact (Individual), Biggest Impact (Team) and Wellbeing Award - at the National Children & Young People Awards.

The awards recognise individuals and organisations that are making an outstanding difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the UK.

Managing director at Fair Ways, Gareth Webb, has been shortlisted in the Biggest Impact (Individual) category, which recognises an individual who has made a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families through creativity, advocacy and an unwavering commitment to improving wellbeing.

Gareth Webb, managing director at Fair Ways, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be named a finalist for the Biggest Impact (Individual) award. For me, this recognition isn’t about one person, it’s about the incredible team across Fair Ways who work tirelessly every day to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and families.

“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to challenge and change the way others think about supporting children, young people and families. This includes our Fostering Friendly Employers campaign, which is helping to drive a greater understanding and better support for foster carers in the workplace. It’s a real privilege to be recognised alongside so many inspiring people and organisations, I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards.”

The RiiSE (Relationship-Inspired Ideas for Support Environments) Trauma-based Practice Programme has also been recognised as a finalist in the Biggest Impact (Team) category. The programme, which launched in 2022, supports Fair Ways staff to develop a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practice, equipping them with the knowledge to build stronger relationships and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Wayne Okell MBE, director of talent and performance at Fair Ways, said: "Winning this award would recognise something we see every day at Fair Ways; that lasting change often begins with a single relationship, a moment of curiosity, or a conversation that helps someone see new possibilities.

“RiiSE has enabled us to embed trauma-based practice at the heart of everything we do, creating a culture where learning, connection and compassion come together to make the biggest difference in people's lives."

Lucy Pearce, senior manager for RiiSE, has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and young people in the care system. Originally entered into the Outstanding Contribution category, the judges recognised Lucy’s exceptional work by selecting her as a finalist in the Wellbeing Award.

The award honours individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to promote the wellbeing of children and young people and help families stay together.

The winners will be announced at the National Children & Young People Awards ceremony on October 22 in Birmingham, where individuals and organisations from across the UK will come together to celebrate excellence in supporting children, young people and families.

For more information about Fair Ways, click here.

To be an eligible foster carer you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a legal right to work or live in the UK
• Possess a spare bedroom
• Pass a background check
• Live in the UK

For more information about fostering in Portsmouth, call 0300 131 2797 or email [email protected].

For more information about Foster Portsmouth, click here.

To get involved in fostering in Hampshire, call 0300 131 2797 or email [email protected].