Since the first glimpse of the new John Lewis Christmas advert, the Fostering Team at North Lincolnshire Council have skated into action to create their own 12 days of fostering for people to discover the world of fostering.
From the 1 December the team will be focusing on showcasing what it means to be a foster carer, the different types of fostering and the process involved.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “The recent John Lewis Christmas advert is heartfelt and inspirational, reflecting the truth of our foster children, carers and their combined families.
“It’s refreshing to see an organisation has created something which always gets such a huge audience highlighting this subject matter and giving it the platform, it deserves.
“Christmas is a time for family and making memories with loved ones. This time of year is always poignant for that reason, yet some children, like Ellie in the advert, experience uncertainty and time away from their own family.
“This advert has posed a spotlight onto the incredible work that is done by each and every foster carer and all of those involved in the journey to guiding our children into adulthood.
“Becoming a foster carer provides a chance to change a life, with each journey being unique, and we are here to support families on that journey, every step of the way.”
The Fostering Team provides support throughout the entire process, from initial application, through to being approved and once a child is placed the support network is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Nic, who is a foster carer said: “During our 22 years of fostering our family has grown in many ways, and we would not have it any other way, we have so much love to give.
“The Fostering Team at North Lincolnshire Council have supported us through the ups and downs of our journey – their patience and understanding is invaluable to ourselves and all our children.”
Everyone is different and that is why children need different types of foster carers.
This includes:
• Mainstream foster care – from an overnight stay to permanence and into adulthood
• Short breaks – can be for a few days, a week, or a long weekend to support other foster carers
• Butterflies care – short breaks and specialist care for children and young people with disabilities
• Supported Lodgings – providing a stepping-stone placement for young people aged 16-24, on their route to independence
• Parent and child – supporting a parent and their baby in a home environment
Throughout the lead up to Christmas, the Fostering Team are going to be hosting several drop-in sessions and attending community events for people to ask questions and find out more about the fostering journey.
The details of the sessions are as follows:
• St. John’s Market in Scunthorpe on Thursday 24 November from 10am to 2pm
• Christmas Light Switch On, Church Square Gardens in Scunthorpe on Saturday 26 November from 3pm to 6pm
• Morrisons in Scunthorpe on Tuesday 29 November from 10am to 2pm
• WhatsApp Phone in on Thursday 1 December from 7pm to 9pm. To take part, message 07443267697 on WhatsApp to chat with one of our fostering recruitment officers.
• Brigg Market, Market Place, Brigg on Thursday 15 December from 8.30am to 2pm
• Christmas Markets, Normanby Hall in Scunthorpe on Saturday 10, and Sunday 11 December from 10am to 4pm
• Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre in Barton upon Humber on Monday 19 December from 9am to 2pm
For anyone wanting to make a difference and gift a child a brighter future, contact the Fostering Team today by emailing fostering@northlincs.gov.uk, calling 01724 297024 or visit the North Lincolnshire Council website to find out more.
Above image by John Lewis & Partners, 2022, The Beginner Advert.
