Foster Portsmouth's Call to Action: Join the Power of Relationships
Celebrating Foster Care Fortnight
May is a special time in the fostering community as Foster Portsmouth encourages locals to consider becoming foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight from the 12th to the 25th. This endeavor shines a light on the profound impact fostering can have, celebrating the strong relationships that are the heart and strength of the fostering community.
Lighting Up with Purpose
In a vibrant display of solidarity, the Spinnaker Tower lit up with Foster Portsmouth’s brand colors, symbolizing hope and community spirit. Alongside this, their flag waves proudly in front of the Civic Offices, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging discussions about fostering.
The Crucial Role of Relationships
The theme of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, “the power of relationships,” underscores the vital connections that fostering creates—from the bonds between foster carers and children to supportive ties within the community. These relationships are the foundation upon which children can rebuild stability and thrive, providing the safety and nurturing they might have lacked.
Stories from the Heart
Rachel Day, a foster carer from Portsmouth, reminisces about the transformative power of the Mockingbird programme, an innovative support network that fosters positive relationships and community for foster families. “Mockingbird has created a community that feels like a family,” she shares, emphasizing how vital these connections are in the lives of children.
The Urgent Need for Foster Carers
Despite the community’s strength, a substantial need for more foster carers persists, particularly for teenagers and sibling groups. With 6,000 more carers needed across the UK, including 820 in the South East, Foster Portsmouth is actively seeking individuals who can offer a loving home.
A Team Behind Every Success
Support from social care practitioners underscores every success story in Foster Portsmouth. Their unique approach of working closely with foster families aims to strengthen relationships, creating a robust support system for everyone involved.
How to Get Involved
Anyone over the age of 21 with a spare room and a desire to make a difference can become a foster carer. These roles offer myriad forms of support and training, ensuring that carers are well-equipped to provide the best for the children in their care. For those interested, an upcoming drop-in event on May 24 at the Holiday Inn, Farlington offers a perfect opportunity to learn more.
Join Foster Portsmouth and be a part of a powerful community, fostering brighter futures through the enduring power of relationships.
People interested in fostering can get more information by visiting www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/enquire-now or by calling 0300 1312797. There is also valuable information on careers in fostering at www.strongerfutures.co.uk/fostering.
