Southend Council’s fostering team and foster carers are appealing to anyone who has ever considered fostering, and lives in and around our city, to join their supportive fostering community.
Their appeal is part of this year's Foster Care Fortnight campaign, which is organised by the UK's leading fostering charity The Fostering Network and takes place from Monday 13 to Sunday 26 May.
As part of this year's campaign, council foster carers share their #FosteringMoments to celebrate how they have helped the children they care for feel confident and safe enough to create special and lasting memories. As there is both a local and national shortage of foster carers, the campaign aims to encourage more people to come forward to help care for vulnerable children and young people and keep them close to familiar surroundings.
Debbie wasn't sure she could foster as a single parent, but she has been a foster carer with the council for over nine years now and has found it extremely fulfilling to help the children she has cared for feel safe enough to enjoy their childhood. Debbie has so many special moments but shared one that still makes her smile today: “One of the children I care for was quiet initially, but seeing his confidence grow so much he felt safe enough to stand in the middle of my lounge and sing his favourite song out loud is a moment I will never forget.”
Tina was initially encouraged to foster by her children and regrets not fostering years ago as she finds it so rewarding. Tina and her children love that their family just keeps getting bigger and reflected on a time of year that she enjoys now more than ever: “I'm so moved the children I've cared for over the years come back and join us for special occasions. They are part of our family and to all spend time together is truly magical."
If you have space in your heart and home and think you could foster, please do get in touch with the council's fostering team.
To find out more, visit our Fostering website. Alternatively, to speak to one of the team call 01702 212938 or email fostering@southend.gov.uk