Foster Care Fortnight events generate interest from residents across the borough

THE first week of Foster Care Fortnight has seen a number of events take place across North East Lincolnshire, including a coffee morning for foster carers, a drop-in event in Immingham, and a Facebook Live Q&A session.

The first event during the national awareness campaign was held at Grimsby Town Hall, thanking local foster carers for the amazing work they do across the region.  A number of potential foster carers stopped by the Town Hall, and also to a further drop-in event in Immingham.

Current foster carer, Liz, shared online: “Fantastic coffee morning, this morning.  Great to meet our managers for a chat and mingle.  Feeling encouraged and excited about our fostering service and its future.”

The final session of the first week was a Facebook Live Q&A session, where members of the fostering team gathered to answer online questions from the public.  The event has generated enquiries from thousands of interested people across the area, and hopes are high that more local residents get in touch to find out how they can foster.

According to the UK’s leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, there were more than 40,000 foster families across the UK last year, caring for an estimated 57,000 children.  These foster carers provide a safe, loving home for children, giving them an environment where they can grow and thrive.

Foster Care Fortnight, a national event run by The Fostering Network, is at the beginning of a drive to bring more foster carers to the team in North East Lincolnshire.  The area has a great need for safe homes to offer children in crisis.

The past weeks have also seen the launch of a foster-friendly business initiative. The North East Lincs Council-led scheme encourages businesses to offer extra support to employees who are also foster carers or offer packages of support and discounts to customers who are foster carers, recognising their commitment with a unique kitemark.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Becoming a foster carer is an incredible privilege, and an incredible role.  Foster carers can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

“You’ll be well supported from the team and from our partners, in helping children to thrive, and become the best that they can be – sometimes in some incredibly challenging circumstances.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering.  For stories from our local foster carers, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering-stories.