Raising awareness of fostering community

THE strength, resilience and diversity of the city’s fosterers is being celebrated as they take part in Foster Care Fortnight, which began on Monday.

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 Fostering Communities. 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 people involved in fostering.

To help mark the fortnight, carers joined members of the city council’s fostering team for a community walk from Abbey Park yesterday.

Deputy mayor 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, we hope to build support, challenge stigmas surrounding children in care and encourage more to foster.”

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 council’s fostering team.

“It’s essential to have this support, to share the challenges and joys of looking after our vulnerable children.”

To find out more about fostering in Leicester, call 0116 454 4500.