Thank you for sharing your parents
Telford & Wrekin Council acknowledged the birth children of foster carers with a thank you to them, for their contribution to Fostering.
Ten sons and daughters of foster carers attended an afternoon at Blists Hill Victorian Town as a ‘thank-you’ for sharing their parents with fostered children.
This event was part of an annual national campaign called ‘Sons and Daughters Month’ by The Fostering Network which, each October, celebrates the vital contribution children make to successful foster care.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust collaborated and supported this ‘thank you’ event through the provision of free admission to Blists Hill for the afternoon of Wednesday 26 October, with support from Telford & Wrekin Council.
Accompanying them were nominated officers from Telford & Wrekin Fostering service. Shirley Wilson, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Project coordinator Fostering Recruitment & Marketing, said: “The children explored all the activities, including candle-dipping, exploring the Mine ,and converting their modern-day currency into Victorian pennies and shillings which they spent on sweets and soap.
She added: “For me, the highlight of the day was seeing all the children getting on with each other, some of whom had not met before. They told me they had had a great afternoon and wanted to go ice-skating next! Hopefully this will be the start of many more outings.”
Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Communities, said: “Caring for foster children isn’t just about the child and the carer, it’s about the whole family of which the new addition becomes part.
“The carers’ sons and daughters play a very important role in ensuring their new foster brother or sister is made to feel part of their home and family. It’s important for us to recognise that role and thank them.”
Paul Gossage, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust’s Director of Engagement, said: “We were delighted to work with Telford & Wrekin Council and offer our special visitors to Blists Hill Victorian Town a great day out. It was a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate the role that sons and daughters play in foster families.”
For more information about fostering in Telford and Wrekin, visit www.telfordfostering.co.uk
More details about The Fostering Network’s ‘Sons and Daughters’ Month can be found here: https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/championing-fostering/sons-and-daughters-month
