Foster carers across the North East are being recognised and celebrated this May as the region takes part in Foster Care Fortnight, running from 11 to 24 May.
The annual two-week campaign shines a spotlight on the important role foster carers play in supporting children, young people and families, while also encouraging more people to explore fostering and learn how they can get involved.
Foster with the North East (FWNE), a partnership of the 12 North East local authorities working together to raise awareness of fostering, is leading a fortnight of activity to recognise the dedication of the region’s foster carers.
Iconic landmarks across the region will be lit up pink over the two-week campaign as a display of support, and fostering teams, carers and families will be taking part in walks and community events.
Together, the activity is designed to create a visible show of appreciation for foster carers and to prompt conversations about fostering within local communities.
Participating locations include civic buildings, bridges and cultural venues across the North East, including the Civic Centre in Newcastle, St Mary’s Lighthouse in North Tyneside, The Story in Durham, Millennium Bridge in Gateshead, and a range of public buildings in Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
The activity will culminate in a public event at the Metrocentre on Saturday 23 May, where teams from across the Foster with the North East partnership will come together to collectively walk 70,000 steps, symbolising the number of cared for children across the UK.
On the same day, the Metrocentre will mark Foster Care Fortnight by lighting up its Platinum Mall in support of foster carers.
The Metrocentre event will be held in the area outside of Primark, it will give members of the public the opportunity to come and meet local fostering teams, ask questions and find out more about fostering in a relaxed and informal setting.
Chris James, Team Manager at Foster with North East, said:
“Foster carers make an extraordinary difference every day to the lives of children and young people, and Foster Care Fortnight gives us the perfect opportunity to say thank you and recognise that commitment publicly.
“We are proud to be working together with partners across the region to shine a light on fostering, whether it’s by lighting up prominent landmarks or walking together as a community, these activities are about visibility, appreciation and starting positive conversations about fostering.”
Anyone interested in learning more about fostering can find out more and register their interest at Foster with North East – Foster with North East.
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