Scheme shines a light on the everyday experiences of fostering

This is Fostering – here in the East Riding, aims to shine a light on the everyday experiences of fostering; the real moments and everyday interactions that help children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for children, families and education said: “I think this year’s theme is really powerful. It helps to show the real moments, real places and highlights how foster carers change lives through the everyday interactions they have with children. “I hope the campaign resonates with people, helping potential foster carers to imagine themselves in these roles – from helping a child with their homework to teaching them how to ride a bike, involving them in cooking and reading together. These moments of caring, guiding, encouraging, teaching, listening or inspiring help a child feel safe, helping them to grow and to thrive.” Janette is a foster carer who began providing foster care seven years ago when her children were in their late 20s.

Janette said: “As my children got older, it felt the right time to be able to offer other children some care and stability. I decided respite foster care would work best for me – which means I look after children on weekends and through school holidays, which fits around my work and life.

“I look after some children regularly and I’m in contact with their full-time foster carers to ensure together we deliver a consistent routine. I spend most of my time doing the regular day to day things most families do, supporting children with a daily routine, encouraging them to get involved with things like cooking and litter picking, and visiting parks. “There’s also a foster carer buddy system which means there’s a network of foster carers that we can ask about any challenges we might face, and other foster carers help with tips and ideas.”

There is no ‘ideal’ type of foster carer, everyone is unique and brings their own individual experience and abilities. The most important attributes are having time, patience, a sense of humour and the ability to love.

People who foster for East Riding Fostering receive comprehensive support including their own dedicated social worker to provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support, training and regular social events.

People can contact East Riding Fostering for a friendly, informal chat or to request an information booklet on 01482 394095, via email: [email protected] or follow East Riding Fostering on Facebook.