FOSTERING 400 – BIKER TOUR AROUND NI

North West 200 News

A team of biker enthusiasts will take to the road on Saturday 16 May travelling around Northern Ireland to raise awareness about the need for at least 400 more fostering families to provide safe and nurturing foster homes for children/young people across the province.

This HSC NI Foster Care event is now in its second year and coincides with Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May), The Fostering Network’s annual UK‑wide campaign that shines a spotlight on fostering, celebrates the vital role foster carers play in supporting children and young people to grow and succeed, and highlights the ongoing need for foster carers.

The bikers, many of whom are HSC NI foster carers themselves, will make five whistle stops in each HSC Trust area as part of the tour to meet the public, fostering staff, fellow foster carers and supporters in the community.

Gareth Irvine, a HSC NI foster carer and keen motorcycle enthusiast, is leading the biker tour. He said: “My wife Natasha and I enjoy fostering as we know the part we play providing short breaks allows other foster carers to continue the incredible work they do fostering for the longer term.

We hope that your contribution plays a part in the development of the children that come to stay. They perhaps get to experience a home with pets as we have a dog (Alfie) and a home aquarium, both good talking points and something to learn from. We also enjoy the fun activities we plan for them like trips to the seaside, the cinema or simply a chilled out evening with a movie and some popcorn at home.”

With 3,514 children currently living in foster care in Northern Ireland and with an increasing number coming into care, there is a real need for more foster carers. HSC NI Foster Care need a wide range of foster carers to reflect the diversity of children and young people who need stable homes.

There are different ways to get involved depending on your lifestyle and personal circumstances as not all foster care requires a full-time commitment.

You can foster whether you are single, married or have a partner; have children of your own or not; are employed or claiming benefits or own or rent your home.

HSC NI foster carers receive ongoing support, tailored training and development opportunities, financial allowances and access to family activities and support groups.

Keep an eye on HSC NI Foster Care’s website and social platforms in the coming weeks to find out where the bikers will be stopping off during their tour.

If you’re thinking of fostering or would simply like more information, call 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net. Alternatively check out their events calendar for details of their twice monthly virtual fostering information sessions (open to all, no registration required). adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net/events

You will also have an opportunity to drop by HSC NI Foster Care’s information stand located in the paddock during this year’s NW 200 event.

Additional Notes

  • HSC NI Foster Care is the largest recruitment service for foster carers in Northern Ireland and represents all local fostering teams within the five Health and Social Care Trusts. They have responsibility for all children in care in Northern Ireland.
  • HSC NI Foster Care’s fostering community is made up of a rich mix of people including couples, single foster carers, parent and an adult child who foster together, foster carers from minority ethnic groups and foster carers from the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • HSC NI foster carers come from various walks of life, offering diverse skills and experience to meet the individual needs of each child/young person.
  • HSC NI Foster Care welcome enquiries from people regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation.
  • Find out about the benefits of fostering with HSC NI Foster Care here: https://adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net/foster-care/why-foster-with-hscni/

 

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