Foster Carers in the East Riding have been celebrated during Foster Care Fortnight.
Throughout the fortnight foster carers took part in free events for themselves and the children they care from. The fortnight began with one-to-one Pickleball coaching, where a range of families enjoyed taking part - from experienced foster carers to new foster carers, with foster children and birth children.
An afternoon tea event celebrated East Riding’s foster families and the difference they make to the lives of children and young people. Merlin Joseph, Executive Director for children, families and schools took the opportunity to thank them for their compassion, resilience and for the difference they make every single day.
The fortnight concluded with a pink-carpet cinema event at Parkway Cinema, where 78 foster carers got together for a private film screening, along with snacks, drinks and sharing experiences.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and schools said: “Foster carers are amazing and I’m delighted we have marked Foster Care Fortnight with celebrating our fabulous families and thanking them for the life-changing impact they make to children and young people.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve had lots of people stepping forward to find out more about fostering – which is a key part of foster care fortnight. However, people can find out about fostering at any time of the year, just get in touch with our fostering team.
“I’d also like to thank the local businesses who have helped support the events and generously donated prizes and gift vouchers.”
Businesses provided gift vouchers and prizes, including Adelicate Beauty, Altrad, Boffy’s Play Café Pocklington, Bridlington Spa, Burnby Hall, DeLacy, Elan Salon, Emily’s beauty therapy, Figaros, Hull Joke Shop, Liv’s Lounge, Morrisons, Parkway Cinema, Pasco’s, Tesco, Qream T's Cakery, William’s Den, Xeinadin accountants.
There will be a variety of future events, including a nature walk to give foster carers and social workers a time to get together, exercise, get fresh air and chat, and there are events being planned with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. For those with younger children there will be an event at Boffy’s Play Café in Pocklington later this month for a day of exploring and imaginative play and a chance for foster carers to connect.
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme was This is Fostering, and aimed to shine a light on the everyday experiences - the real moments and everyday interactions that help children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
If you’re interested in finding out more about fostering contact East Riding Fostering for a friendly, informal chat or to request an information booklet on: (01482) 394095, via email: fosteringrecruitment@
The recruitment team will also be out and about this summer at events like Beverley Pride, Hornsea Carnival, Cottingham Day, Driffield Show, Hessle Feast and Bridmas, for people to find out more, ask questions and have a chat.
There is no 'ideal' type of foster carer, everyone is unique and brings their own individual experience and abilities. The most important attributes are having time, patience, a sense of humour and the ability to love.
Foster families come in all shapes and sizes, and people can decide what type of foster caring arrangements would work for them, with different types of fostering to suit different homes, family dynamics and life commitments.
People who foster for East Riding Fostering receive comprehensive support including their own dedicated social worker to provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support, training and regular social events. There are also local support groups available for foster carers and help for existing children in the family to adapt to fostering.
East Riding Fostering rates increased this year to recognise the valued role foster carers take and the financial offer for foster families is amongst the highest in the Yorkshire and Humber region. In addition to financial allowances, families also receive contributions towards equipment, additional money on the child's birthday and at Christmas. All members of the household also receive free membership to East Riding leisure centres and there are a number of discounts, special offers and events exclusively for East Riding foster carers.
