We were able to show our appreciation of our dedicated team of foster carers by hosting an evening of celebration for them at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 17 July.

 

The event was held to thank carers for their hard work and commitment to the children and young people in our care. It included a buffet, a live band, and magic, and foster carers were invited to ‘dress to impress’ and to bring their dancing shoes.

 

Foster carer Tania said: “We really enjoyed ourselves and getting glammed up. It was a great event – lovely food and lots of it, great company and lots of catching up with people we haven’t seen for a while.”

 

We are proud to be able to offer our devoted foster carers a chance to celebrate, and to spend time connecting with others in our close-knit fostering community.

 

 

 

 

Opportunities for mutual support…

 

Foster Portsmouth arrange regular social events and activities to support our foster families and the children in their care, and to provide them with an opportunity for mutual support and to relax together as a community. However, for the first time, we also wanted to host a special evening just for the foster carers themselves.

 

By providing foster carers with the tools and support needed to succeed, Foster Portsmouth ensures children and young people have the chance to thrive and meet their potential.

 

Our foster carers play a vital role in the development of the service, and are involved in key decision making as respected members of a committed ‘team around the child’.

 

They also become part of a strong network of likeminded people who share the same experiences and challenges, building a strong closeknit community spirit with other carers.

 

 

Making lasting impacts…

 

Foster carer Jo said: “In Portsmouth, we have a wonderful collaborative relationship across the team. We’re working hard to make lasting positive impacts to benefit carers and the children in our fantastic city.”

 

“The celebration evening was brilliant. Personally, I feel it showed more of a celebration of our collaborative approach and the rewards that is bringing. Thank you Foster Portsmouth!”

 

 

 

Another foster carer Rachel shared: “Thank you for arranging such a wonderful evening. It was a huge success and just so brilliant to have carers and the fostering team celebrating together! The venue looked amazing, and the food was excellent; such a thoughtful and well-planned evening. Thanks so much once again it was so appreciated.”

 

Foster carer Aly also added: “Such a good night. Thank you so much.”

 

 

Generous support from local and regional partners…

 

The event was sponsored by the Etec Group. The family-owned building contractor, founded over two decades ago, offers refurbishments, extensions, electrical services, fit-outs and new builds across London and the South East, and now nationwide.

 

Etec work across the leisure, education, retail, healthcare and housing sectors, earning a reputation for timely, high-quality project delivery and their professional, yet personal approach.

 

The evening’s music was provided by local band The Wishlist and décor by On Trend Balloons. A free raffle was also part of the evening featuring donated items or experiences from local businesses including from Portsmouth Guildhall, Georgie’s Nail Lab and Tandem Electrical.

 

 

 

Foster carer Bob shared: “Sharon and I had a very nice time. We met up with some carers that we hadn’t seen for a long time and had a good catch up. A fabulous event that is much appreciated!”

 

 

Year-round support…

 

Foster Portsmouth take regular opportunities to recognise and celebrate the achievements of foster carers, their families and all the children in our care. Social events are held throughout the year – which range from panto trips, carer lunches and picnics to activity days and sailing trips – to build relationships, help the children reach their potential, offer mutual support and foster our distinctive community spirit.

 

Our carers also receive local round the clock support and ongoing quality training, including through support groups, a mentoring scheme, our innovative award-winning Mockingbird programme, and from a foster carer liaison group who advocate on their behalf. They also receive a competitive financial package and free membership to The Fostering Network.

 

In addition, Portsmouth City Council foster carers benefit with support close to home from their assessing social worker during the application process and then, in addition to the child’s social worker, a dedicated supervising social worker providing support, advice and encouragement throughout their fostering journey. They also have access to a skilled team of professionals specialising in health and education, including child and adolescent mental health.

 

 

You could do it too…

 

Anyone aged 21 or over with a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth. Our foster carers come from all walks of life, and they all share the same commitment and motivation to make a positive difference to a child’s life.

 

They come from Portsmouth itself or the immediate surrounding areas, from Emsworth and Rowlands Castle to Gosport and Fareham, and the Isle of Wight and Hayling Island to Petersfield and Havant.

 

Fostering could be a short or long-term arrangement for a child or siblings until they’re ready to live independently or be reunited with family, support for children with a disability or children seeking safety and asylum, supported lodgings to develop their independent living skills, a parent and baby placement, or respite care.

 

To enquire or to arrange a 1:1 with one of our experienced team or existing foster carers, please contact us.

 

……………………………………………………………………

 

Photography by Japics Photography.