THE moments that have mattered the most to foster families and children in care across East Sussex will be highlighted as part of Foster Care Fortnight in Conservative-led East Sussex.
The county council has launched a social media campaign to support The Fostering Network’s annual awareness campaign, sharing the experiences of those involved in fostering. #FosteringMoments will be shared on the council’s social media channels until Sunday, May 26 to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives.
Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler, Cabinet Member responsible for Children and Families welcomed the recruitment initiative which was launched at a recent Full Council meeting.
"Over the past several months I have announced two increases in the expenses paid to our Foster Carers, this coupled with the new county wide campaign we hope to increase the opportunities and the quality of life we offer to the children that come in to our care.
"As someone once said, “Everyone can make a difference, and everyone should try”. These children and young people need and deserve a stable and loving home in which to grow.
"Perhaps you have room in your home or life, if so, we would love to hear from you: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/children-families/children-in-care/fostering"
One of the foster carers whose memorable moment features in the campaign is Hannah, who has been fostering for five years.
“Sometimes the smallest of gestures, the tiniest of moments or a single look make a breakthrough moment,” she said. “You’ve done it; you realise that you’ve just gained the trust of a young person who may not have been able to trust an adult before.”
Hannah’s eldest daughter, who was eight when the family started fostering, remembered the first foster child to join her family: “The first time I came home from school and we had a baby to care for was really memorable for me. I remember thinking how tiny they were and how important our role in fostering is.”
It is hoped that telling the stories of foster carers will encourage more local people to consider opening their home and heart to a child in need.
For information about these events, and to find out more about fostering, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/fostering or call 01323 464129.
More information about Foster Care Fortnight can be found at www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/foster-care-fortnight-2024
