A Staffy sculpture, celebrating care and connection, will help shine a spotlight on the urgent need for more foster carers in Staffordshire as Foster Care Fortnight gets underway next week.
The national campaign, backed by Staffordshire County Council, launches on Monday 11 May. It aims to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more people to consider supporting local children and young people. This year’s theme is ‘This Is Fostering.’
The campaign also ties in with the latest themed week of the Staffy Trail, which will focus on ‘Care and Connection’ from tomorrow.
One of the trail’s large Staffy sculptures, located in Stafford Market Square, is called ‘Kindred’ and has been sponsored by Fostering for Staffordshire.
Designed by local artist Tom Edwards and inspired by ideas developed with young people from The Voice Project, the sculpture explores themes of kindness, connection and support through scenes inspired by British wildlife and natural habitats.
Residents exploring the trail over the next two weeks are also being encouraged to stop and speak to Staffordshire County Council’s fostering team, who will be attending events and community locations across the county throughout Foster Care Fortnight.
Staffordshire foster carers, Cliff and Elaine Whiteley, have been fostering with Staffordshire for 27 years and are supporting the latest campaign.
Cliff said:
“Fostering is all about giving children a secure family foundation where they feel they can belong. Everyone has got life skills they can bring to fostering and once you get started you won’t want to stop.
“There is lots of support from the fostering service and from other foster carers so you are never on your own, we are just ordinary people caring for local children. It’s the most rewarding role I have ever had.”
Staffordshire County Council is looking to recruit 60 new foster families this year.
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Our foster carers make a huge difference to the lives of local children and young people by providing care, stability and support when it’s needed most.
“During Foster Care Fortnight, I’d encourage anyone interested in fostering to come along, meet our friendly team and find out more about the different ways you can support children and families across Staffordshire.”
Throughout the fortnight, Staffordshire’s fostering team will be visiting locations across the county, including:
- Saturday 9 May – Trentham Gardens Community Day, 10am–4pm
- Tuesday 12 May – Tamworth Market Square, 9am–3pm
- Wednesday 13 May – Uttoxeter Dove Fields Car Park, 10am–2pm
- Friday 15 May – Cannock Market Square, 10am–2pm
- Saturday 16 May – Appletree Farm, Newcastle, 10am–12pm
- Wednesday 20 May – Costa Coffee, Queens Retail Park, Stafford, 10am–12pm
The team will also attend the Staffordshire County Show on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May from 9am–4pm.
People can sign up for an online fostering information meeting on 21 May via Eventbrite.
For more information about fostering with Staffordshire County Council, visit https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/foster-staffordshire or call 0800 169 2061.
Those exploring the Staffy Trail are encouraged to share their photos using #FollowStaffy and #StaffordshireDay10.
