As an ex-foster carer for Bristol City Council I have experienced children either arriving at my house with a few belongings in a plastic bag or with nothing – CUBs is inspiring others to bring dignity and hope to looked after children.

It’s really important for children to have the best possible start in life, so it’s great that CUBs can help improve the lives of looked after children.

CUBs can put a smile on a child’s face and make them feel cared for at what is often a difficult time in their lives. Their smiles and comfort are priceless and that is why we do it.

All Children should feel cared for and CUBS helps to provide that at a particularly vulnerable time in the lives of looked after children.

CUBs are filled with essentials that every child should own, but they are so much more than that. They are filled with care and love for looked after children to help make them feel more secure.

I have come from a background where foster caring and adoption where not so well know and not a lot of people talked about it. However the family ethos and helping those in need was very much in my upbringing. As I learnt more and more about foster caring and the challenges these children have faced at such a young age, I couldn’t help but get involved.

CUBs is a fantastic support for these children at a time they truly need it but as importantly helps the incredible foster carers to create that initial welcoming and safe home.

When you hear about the experiences some kids have to go through, it's hard not to want to do something to help in any way possible. Being able to put a smile on someones face at such a crucial time is an amazing thought.