Celebratory events have taken place across the South West to say ‘thank you’ to the region’s fantastic local council foster carers.
More than 1,500 people attended special gatherings at Newquay Zoo, Paignton Zoo, Monkey World, Bristol Zoo Project and Cotswold Wildlife Park on Wednesday, February 19.
The events were organised by Fostering South West, the region’s fostering hub which unites fostering expertise across 15 councils.
It was the first time a co-ordinated day of activities has been held in the South West to celebrate the invaluable contribution foster carers make to our communities and to the lives of children and young people.
Foster families were able to enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled day out and had a great time spotting exotic animals at local zoos and spending time enjoying the various special events that were ran on the day.
It also gave them the opportunity to connect, make friends and have fun together, strengthening local support networks.
Carrie Worth, Fostering South West Team Manager, said on the day:
"Today was something very unique and special. It is the first time local authority foster carers and children from across the South West have come together and been able to unite with other fostering families. Today was our way of saying thank you to families who foster for all their amazing work, passion and dedication.
“The support from each of the venues has been wonderful in helping to organise and support fostering families to have such a fun and enjoyable day out. We’ve seen foster carers and children making new connections, forging of new friendships and children and adults alike having lots of fun.”
One local council foster carer added:
“We all had such a lovely day and the children had beaming smiles on their faces all day. It was great to see some familiar faces, put faces to names but also widen our network of fellow foster carers across the region.”
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said:
“I’m glad these events proved such a success because it is nothing more than these amazing families and young people deserve.
“Fostering is an absolute joy but it can also be very difficult so it is really important that we not only recognise our carers’ dedication and devotion but we also give them opportunities to meet up, support each other and have fun.
“Without foster carers, many children and young people in care would never know what it is like to grow up in a loving and nurturing household. I am incredibly proud of all our foster carers in Cornwall, and of the wonderful young people in their care.”
Launched in April last year, Fostering South West’s recruitment hub acts as a first point of contact for those interested in fostering giving them a centralised platform for enquiries.
This ensures they receive the best support right from the start of their fostering journey, helping them make an informed choice about how fostering could work for them. The scheme seeks to help recruit carers from a range of different backgrounds and circumstances in the region.
Local council foster carers receive extensive local training, substantial financial support, and continuous assistance from a dedicated non-profit organisation. With this community focus, it also benefits the children, as it helps keep children local, allowing them to continue to live in the community they know, with as little change as possible.
More information on becoming a foster carer for your local council can be found on Fostering South West’s website or you can speak directly to a member of the recruitment team via 0300 456 0120, or info@fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
Press release issued on February 21, 2025.