This December, Hampshire County Council’s fostering service are taking part in the 2023 Christmas Tree Festival at St. Mary’s Church, Alverstoke to join the local community in ushering in the spirit of Christmas and to raise awareness of fostering Hampshire’s children over the winter period.
The festival begins on Thursday 7 December, with an opening ceremony featuring traditional Christmas Carols, and the lighting of the trees. The festival is then open to the public over the whole weekend offering plenty of opportunities to explore the 75 beautifully decorated trees, which are sponsored by individuals, youth groups, schools, clubs, charities, local organisations, and businesses from across the Parish.
The tree sponsored by Hampshire County Council’s fostering service has been lovingly adorned with home-made decorations created by local children in foster families across Gosport.
Lisa and Michelle, Hive Carer Support Workers for Gosport’s Hampshire Hives, arranged a Christmas-themed craft morning for the children and their families to design and create the ornaments which would decorate the sponsored tree at the festival.
Hampshire Hives are groups of local foster carers who help to build a community of care around each foster family by providing support, advice, and family events. With the Hive Carer Support Worker acting as the heart of the hive, families within the Hive develop close relationships, like friends and family.
Michelle said, “Six families with a total of sixteen children, ages ranging from 2-14 years old, had a fabulous morning making great pieces of artwork for the Christmas Tree Festival. Everyone got thoroughly stuck in, taking turns, and helping each other out. They had great fun and are very proud of what they made!”
With the recent launch of the Hampshire County Council’s new fostering campaign, this winter is a perfect time for Hampshire residents - with a spare room and warm heart - to consider fostering a vulnerable child in need of a loving home.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer or to join your local hive, visit the Fostering Hampshire Children website and download an information pack, or call the team on 01489 587052.