The campaign is delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, and aims to celebrate the role of foster carers, and the positive contributions they make to society.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “The Power of Relationships,” highlighting the strong and trusting relationships that run through each fostering story, whether that’s a between a carer and child or young person, the support from social workers, or friendships that have been built within fostering communities.
Throughout the fortnight, the council’s fostering service will be hosting a celebration event to thank Walsall foster carers and will be hosting drop-in sessions for those who may be interested in fostering to find out more. The dates, times and locations are as follows:
Tuesday 13 May – 10am-2pm
Walsall Manor Hospital, Moat Rd, Walsall WS2 9PS
(first floor, top of escalators)
Wednesday 14 May 9am-12:30pm
Bloxwich Launchpad jobs and skills show
Bloxwich Library, Elmore Row, Bloxwich, WS3 2HR
“ The theme of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight resonates with us here in Walsall. The relationships foster carers build with children in their care are life-changing and can often last a lifetime.
But there are other great relationships too, for example, relationships our carers build with each other as part of our Mockingbird family model. Walsall was the first local authority to take part in the programme which is built upon an extended network of family support, encouraging carers to support and empower each other.
Thank you doesn’t feel enough to say to our amazing foster carers, but over the next two weeks I hope you feel particularly seen, celebrated, and recognised for all you do to transform children and young people’s lives. “
Colleen Male, Executive Director for Children’s Services
Walsall Council
Dave is a foster carer for Walsall Council and shared his thoughts about being part of the Mockingbird programme. He said, “Everyone in the hub brings something different, we’ve all got different skills, abilities and experience, and when we meet as a group, you find that solutions can be sought to problems together, in safe space without judgement, and that’s down to the great relationships and care we have for one another as a fostering community.”