Business brunch celebrates ‘incredible impact’ of local foster carers

The brunch event, held at Grimsby Town Football Club’s Blundell Park ground, brought together some of the 100-foster friendly businesses, schools and ambassadors for the first time.

Opened with remarks from Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, Ann-Marie Matson, the brunch showcased the voices of some of the children that have been brought up in the care of local foster families.

The event also saw the premiere of a new foster carer recruitment advert that was directed by Jack Spring (Three Day Millionaire) and voiced by Tommy Turgoose (This is England).

Later, the room hit an emotional note when hearing the account of one foster carer and her journey from nursing to fostering children.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education, said that the overarching theme of the event was about exploring how the community can support foster carers.

“We’ve heard some incredibly emotional accounts about the lengths our wonderful foster carers go to, supporting children that have often been through significant trauma.

“Our foster carers have an incredible impact on the lives of our children in care, so it’s important that, as a community, we look for ways to support them.

“There are lots of things that businesses can do to support our foster carers, from offering additional annual leave to employees that foster, to making products and services available at a discount for our carers and their children.

“If any businesses would like to find out more about becoming a foster-friendly business, please get in touch.”

To find out more about joining our growing community of businesses that are supporting local foster carers, email: fosterfriendlybusiness@nelincs.gov.uk.

For more information on becoming a foster carer, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering.