Barton Cricket Club has become the latest organisation to be recognised as Fostering Friendly in North Lincolnshire, joining a growing number of local employers and community groups committed to supporting children in care and foster carers.
By signing up to the Fostering Friendly scheme, Barton Cricket Club has pledged to support foster carers in the community and to help raise awareness of the continuing need for more foster carers in North Lincolnshire. The club joins a wide range of local organisations who have already taken this step, including Know Film, Aero school, BG solicitors and Humberside Police.
To celebrate their commitment, the club opened its grounds recently, to host the first Children’s and Families Summer Festival – a special event for children in care and care leavers.
One of our young people attending the festival said: “Why does it have to end, I wish it could go on all night!”
Another young person said: “Today is such a vibe, I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
The young people enjoyed an afternoon packed with fun activities, including entertainment, music performances, arts and crafts, cricket games, face painting, and a silent disco. The event offered children and young people the chance to play, connect and make memories in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Barton Cricket Club as a Fostering Friendly organisation – and even more special to celebrate their commitment at such a joyful event for our fostering community.
“Foster carers make a life-changing difference every day, and it’s inspiring to continue to see local organisations stepping up to support them. Community clubs like Barton Cricket Club are at the heart of our towns – and when they open their doors to children in care and care leavers, it sends a powerful message of inclusion, acceptance and belonging.”
The fostering team are always looking for new foster carers and supported lodgings hosts – people from all walks of life who can offer a safe and supportive home environment for a child or young person as national numbers of children in care continue to rise.
Barton Cricket Club Vice Chairman and 1st team player Paul Bell, said: “We are excited to be joining the Fostering Friendly scheme as it’s a way to give back to our community. Hosting this years’ summer festival has been an amazing opportunity and we look forward to continuing to champion fostering in the club’s future. It’s important that businesses can play their role in ensuring our young people have the best support in life.”
To find out more about fostering or how your organisation can become Fostering Friendly, visit the webpage or call 01724 297000.
