Herefordshire Council hosted its second annual Foster Fest at Hereford Rugby Club on Wednesday 21 August, to celebrate the work its fostering community does for Herefordshire’s children and young people.

Over 150 people attended, enjoying a day of entertainment and activities for all ages, including live music from local performers, animal encounters and a bouncy castle.

Isobel, foster carer for Herefordshire Council, said: “Our family had a wonderful time on the activities and the ice cream and candy floss were definite hits! They really loved the inflatable obstacle course and animals. They also enjoyed interacting with other foster children and their families, seeing old and new faces. It was a wonderful, inclusive atmosphere and the children definitely did not want to leave!”
 

 

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Foster Fest is one way of saying thank you for the incredible work our foster carers do every day. We’re really pleased to run it each year to show our gratitude to our fostering families. It’s a great event that demonstrates the strength of our fostering community. I’d encourage anyone who wants to be part of the joy that fostering brings to contact us.”

With record numbers of children in care and a significant proportion of foster carers retiring or leaving every year, thousands more foster families are needed across the country. On average in the UK, a child comes into care in need of a foster family every 15 minutes.

Herefordshire Council’s Fostering Team will be hosting a drop-in recruitment event at Hereford Town Hall on Thursday 26 September, 12 to 2pm, to give people an insight into fostering. For more information, visit the Fostering page on the council's website or call 01432 383240, or email fostering@herefordshire.gov.uk