FOSTER carers across the county were given a ‘big thank you’ at a special event last Wednesday.
The Worcestershire Children First Fostering conference was streamed online and foster carers across the county joined the event in celebration and recognition of the difference their work makes to the lives of local children.
The fostering service sent surprise chocolate brownies to foster carers and children to enjoy during foster care fortnight which began on May 10 and runs until Sunday, May 23.
The service’s group manager Laurie Mo Gullachsen hosted the event and there was a welcome from Interim Chief Executive of Worcestershire Children First, Tina Russell. She thanked all the foster carers for their dedication and acknowledged their dedication, resilience and commitment through this past year of ‘challenge and change’.
She said, whether it was for short periods of time or long permanent care, fosterers’ kept children happy, healthy and safe care helped young people cope with whatever traumas, abuse, family loss and bereavement they had to face.
“We are all having to do things a little differently now but one thing that isn’t different is the value of the work our foster carers do, the support, love, and care they provide to Worcestershire’s children and young people is invaluable.”
Staff from across Worcestershire Children First social care teams prepared a special film to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all the hard work.
Visit facebook.com/fosteringworcestershire to view it.
This year’s conference had a strong focus on supporting foster carers with their own mental health and wellbeing.
The event featured community learning taster sessions, including ‘Art in your Heart’ and ‘Marvellous Me’, along with mindfulness and seated yoga – part of the wrap around support offered for all Worcestershire Children First Foster carers.
Nichola Mendez gave a presentation on FosterTalk and how they can support and benefit Worcestershire foster carers.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can join an information session at worcestershire.gov.uk/fosteringevents at 6pm on Thursday, May 27.
