FOSTER carers in Leicester are celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the local fostering community as they take part in Foster Care Fortnight (9-22 May).
The annual national campaign, run by The Fostering Network, aims to raise awareness of the transformational power of fostering and celebrate the dedicated carers who support children to thrive.
This year's theme is #FosteringCommunities. The aim is to shine a light on the many ways people across the fostering community support each other, as well as celebrating the various communities involved in fostering.
To mark the fortnight, foster carers will join members of the city council’s fostering team for a community walk from Abbey Park on Wednesday 11 May.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on anti-poverty and social care, said: “We have 220 foster care households in Leicester who do amazing work every day to support our children in care. The dedication and commitment they show to children and young people is incredible.
“I’m particularly proud of the fact that foster carers in Leicester represent so many of our diverse communities. True to the spirit of the city, they join together across communities to support each other – so this year’s theme is particularly fitting for us here in Leicester.
“By raising awareness of fostering, we hope to build support, challenge stigmas surrounding children in care and encourage more people to come forward to foster.”
Local foster carer Nik (pictured) said: “As foster carers, we really value the closeness of our community, the support we have for each other, and our relationship with Leicester City Council’s fostering team. It’s essential to have this support as a carer, to share the challenges and the joys of looking after our vulnerable children.”
To find out more about fostering in Leicester, call 0116 454 4500 or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/fostering
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