Foster carers, and their families, have been treated to a special celebration to thank them for everything they do to support Medway’s most vulnerable children and young people.
During Foster Care Fortnight (15 – 28 May), the UK’s biggest foster care awareness campaign, foster carers and their families were invited to afternoon tea at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel in Chatham to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
At the event, one of the foster carers who has been supporting Medway’s children and young people for nearly 10 years said: “Fostering is something that I had always wanted to do. I spoke to different people who I knew were fostering for Medway Council at the time and got information from them. It took us a while to consider fostering because it is a big decision to make as a family. But we went for it, contacted Medway and we haven't looked back since.
“We have never fostered for anyone other than Medway Council and have always been very happy as a foster carer with Medway.”
This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight was ‘Fostering Communities’. Over the past few weeks, the Foster for Medway team worked alongside foster carers to help raise awareness of the importance of fostering. The team held public community events and spoke with potential new foster carers, as well as highlighted Medway’s commitment to provide supportive communities for children and young people.
Medway's new Portfolio Holder covering Fostering
Cllr Adam Price, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Medway’s Foster carers are the backbone of the service - they embody the true spirit of community and open their homes and hearts to those who need it most. Foster carers provide children and young people with loving and stable homes during what can be an incredibly upsetting and confusing time in their lives. They provide support to Medway’s most vulnerable children and young people, and give them a voice, ensuring they are heard, seen, valued and included. I sincerely thank Medway’s foster carers for everything they do.
“Becoming a foster carer is about supporting a child to grow and develop, and empowering them to achieve their full potential. We are always looking for more foster carers and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about fostering to get in touch with our Foster for Medway team.”
To find out more about fostering, visit the Fostering page on our website or phone the team on 01634 335726.