To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight™ from 15 to 28 May 2023, North Lincolnshire Council’s Fostering Recruitment Team have pledged to complete 70,000 steps (the equivalent of around 45 miles) each week of the fortnight for the 70,000 children who are currently in care across the UK.
Could you join their team and pledge to complete a mile or challenge yourself to complete as many miles as possible during Foster Care Fortnight? Walk, run, cycle or swim – move in your own way.
Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign set up by The Fostering Network to raise the profile of fostering. The community of North Lincolnshire and beyond are invited to join the team at their walking events, raise awareness of the need of foster carers in our local area and champion how fostering transforms lives.
One local young person in care who would like to thank their foster family but have been unable to find the words to say it in person, said: “I just want to say I am so happy and grateful I am with you; you have changed my life for the best. Thank you.
“My foster carers don’t just make me feel safe but make me feel like I belong in the world.”
Other young people in care who were asked about the importance of Foster Care Fortnight, said: “We need to tell everyone more about fostering. A lot has changed over the years and people need to be made aware that they can change someone’s life.”
Across the fortnight, people can either complete their own steps/miles, join the Fostering Recruitment Team at Central Park Parkrun in Scunthorpe at 9am on Saturday 20 May or be a part of their Twilight Walk on Friday 26 May.
The Twilight Walk will start at Church Square in Scunthorpe then venture to Central Park in Scunthorpe and will end back at Church Square. Arrival is from 6.30pm and participants are encouraged to wear something orange in support of Fostering. People can just turn up on the evening or register via Eventbrite.
Participants can also pledge their steps/miles via an online form on the North Lincolnshire Council website.
People pledging their support to such a meaningful cause is something to be celebrated but the challenge is also an opportunity to get active and look after their health and wellbeing. This challenge is a great opportunity to achieve the five ways to wellbeing which include: Connect, keep learning, be active, give and take notice. Visit the North Lincolnshire Council website for more details.
People can also support The Fostering Recruitment Team by donating to their Just Giving page, with all proceeds going to The Fostering Network. The monies raised will help support the fostering community in the UK, their ongoing research, and the work they do to support children in care.
Other events where you can meet the team, show your support for Fostering and find out more about being a foster carer include:
• Thursday 18 May, Pop-up at Brigg Garden Centre, 9am to 3pm
• Wednesday 24 May, Virtual Information Evening 6.30pm to 8pm. Register your interest via Eventbrite
• Thursday 25 May, Pop-up at The Ropewalk in Barton-Upon-Humber, 10am to 3pm
• Sunday 28 May, Normanby Hall Country Park Fayre, 10am to 4pm
Michelle, a North Lincolnshire Foster Carer, said: “Foster care is going on quietly across North Lincolnshire and the UK; sometimes the children and young people in care don’t want to be reminded all the time that they are fostered. However, it is so important to highlight fostering to the communities we live and work in.
“Foster Care Fortnight showcases the positive work being done, celebrates our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, demonstrates our inclusivity and diversity, shows we have fun fostering and encourages others to join us.”
To find out more about Fostering and Foster Care Fortnight in North Lincolnshire, visit https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.
