Foster Care Fortnight

In Sutton we have a great network of foster carers and I am proud that as a Council we are supporting the annual Foster Care Fortnight which begins next week. This has been developed by The Fostering Network to celebrate all of the great foster carers we have and raise awareness of how fostering can make a difference to children and young people.

We have 161 children in foster placements in Sutton, but we still need more foster carers. This year the theme is #WhyWeCare and I hope this campaign can encourage new carers to begin their journey to fostering in Sutton. Your background does not rule you out from becoming a foster carer. You can be married or single, working or not working, own your own home or live in social housing. The most important thing about you is that you have the capacity to show love and understanding and open your heart and home to someone who needs to be part of a family.

Several of our fostering families shared their experiences;

“We have been fostering for about 14 years now and have looked after many children from 0-18 years old. We have had  two lovely children with us for the last nearly nine years and they are our ‘forever boys’.” - Helen Longford, Long-Term Foster Carer

“One of the best feelings in fostering was watching our lovely Georgia graduate with a 2.1 degree in Education and watch her blossom and grow. So immensely proud of everything she has achieved and the love we have for her and the children in our care.” - Chris Naylor, Foster Carer

“The rewards start with you building a great relationship with the child / young person. Seeing them grow and develop throughout your time together and being part of your family when they are with you is a great experience.” - Mary Deere, Short Breaks Foster Carer

Could you join Helen, Chris and Mary and become one of our foster carers? Why not come along to one of our information sessions to hear more about what is involved and the support you would receive. There are three sessions planned across the fortnight, find out more on the Fostering Sutton Facebook events page.

If for any reason you are unable to make one of the sessions, then do contact our friendly fostering team 0208 770 5563.

Finally, look out on our website, Twitter and Facebook pages during Foster Care Fortnight for more stories from our foster carers and a special message from the Mayor, Councillor Trish Fivey.

If you think you could transform a Sutton child’s life, we would love to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

Councillor Marian James