To recognise the success of the pilot, 120 foster carers, children and young people came together on Saturday 28 May for ‘Hive Fest’, a celebratory afternoon of fun, food and games.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, went along to join in the celebrations and meet carers and their families. She said: “It’s so important that there is a strong support network in place for our foster carers. Fostering can be challenging, and we understand just how invaluable peer-to-peer support can be. This event gave foster carers and their families the opportunity to come together to relax and have fun while celebrating the Hampshire Hive and each other. Our foster carers do incredible work and the sense of community at Hive Fest was palpable. We are always in need of more people to foster so I’d encourage those interested or considering fostering to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Led by Hive Carer Support Workers, who are foster carers themselves, individual local ‘Hives’ offer peer-to-peer support, advice and guidance to carers; as well as social events where carers and children across the community can all come together.
Held at a private venue in Winchester, ‘Hive Fest’ included music, picnics and activities, with every age catered for. Younger guests enjoyed biscuit decorating, colouring, soft play, face-painting and even paracord bracelet making. Families brought picnics and light refreshments, cake and fruit skewers were provided. The Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, was also in attendance.
Everyone got into the spirit of the day, with everyone enjoying some friendly competition in a team-building activity, football and giant Connect 4.
Since launching, the pilot has grown to include 12 Hives, each represented at Hive Fest, which are located in Basingstoke, Andover, Aldershot/Farnborough, Winchester, Eastleigh, Bitterne, Gosport, Totton and Waterside, Ringwood, South West New Forest (covering Lymington to Poole), and two Hives in Waterlooville. The project forms part of a wider package of support for foster carers, including – but not limited to - extensive training, buddies and support groups.
Hampshire residents who would like to find out more about fostering with the County Council should visithants.gov.uk/fostering where they will find a wealth of resources, information and online events designed to answer their queries.