One set of footprints

Welcome back to Once That Footprint Podcast. In this episode, Matt talks with Robin, Secretary of the National Union of Professional Foster Carers, about the union’s journey, legal battles, and practical ways to support foster carers and the children they look after.They discuss recruitment and retention, trauma-informed care, the need for better matching and consistent social work, access to counselling and support for care leavers, and how foster carers can protect themselves and advocate for children. The episode closes with a call to action to join the union and support One Set Footprint CIC’s care-records support initiative.

Host Matt interviews Dan Buxall‑Simpson, founder of Epic Family CIC and a foster parent, about his decision to step into the fostering space, the challenges of setting up Epic Fostering, and the mission behind Epic Support to provide trauma‑informed, wraparound services for children and carers in the South West.The episode explores system failures, the importance of individualised support, how a not‑for‑profit model can make a difference, and what’s next for Epic as it begins placing children and expanding mentoring and education support.

In this episode the host sits with Tracy, a foster carer of 25 years, who shares the everyday realities of opening her home to children who’ve experienced trauma — the small acts of patience, the routines that help, and the deep emotional costs of saying goodbye.They also discuss the cracks in the system: overloaded social workers, inconsistent support, and the urgent need for practical, trauma-informed services so carers and children can get the help they truly need.

Matthew interviews Tim, founder of Three Circles fostering , they talk about failures in the care system and how prioritising education and supportive foster care can transform children’s lives.
They discuss trauma, stigma, shocking costs of residential care, practical solutions (teachers in fostering services, lifelong support), and the need for systemic change to prevent homelessness, offending and poor outcomes for care-experienced young people.

On this episode of One Set of Footprints, Amy from Luna's Fund shares her personal journey from losing her daughter Luna to founding a charity that offers practical support for families after baby loss.Luna's Fund provides relaxing getaways, food shop deliveries, nursery redecoration, private scans for pregnancy after loss, and growing support for dads — all rooted in community, compassion and hope.Amy discusses burnout, advocacy for better bereavement care, the vision for a dedicated Luna's Lodge, and a message of hope: the pain will change and healing is possible.

Ryan shares his powerful journey from losing his stepfather at 15 to struggling with anxiety and depression, and how Andy's Man Club gave him connection, confidence, and purpose. He describes the comfort of online meetings, the support of facilitators and peers, and how speaking up transformed his mental health.This episode highlights the importance of brotherhood, destigmatizing men’s mental health, and the message that "it's okay to talk." Ryan also discusses his role as a facilitator, coping strategies like gaming and community activities, and hopes to expand support in Sheffield.

Martin shares his journey from childhood abuse and years of silence to finding hope, family and purpose. After crises with substance use, health struggles and a near-breakdown, a compassionate police officer and Andy’s Man’s Club helped him open up, heal, and become a facilitator supporting others.
This episode explores trauma, recovery, and the power of speaking out — a reminder that asking for help is strength and no one has to suffer alone.
Silence has a heart beat Talking keeps it alive 

Welcome to today’s episode exploring Andy’s Man’s Club, a grassroots movement creating safe, non-judgmental peer-to-peer support for men’s mental health across the UK.Host and facilitator Mike discuss how weekly groups work, the rules and training that keep spaces safe, and the powerful impact of listening, honesty and community on members’ recovery.This episode highlights personal stories of resilience, the role of grassroots action in filling gaps in mainstream care, and the simple but vital message: it’s okay to talk.