Fostering Hampshire Children is celebrating its inspiring foster carers and calling for more people to consider changing the life of a child in need, during its annual Foster Focus Week (24-30 October).
Hampshire County Council’s regional celebration will provide an opportunity for Hampshire residents to find out more about fostering at a series of in-person and virtual information events running throughout the week. This year’s campaign particularly seeks to break down perceived barriers surrounding who can foster.
In this article, Ben, one of Fostering Hampshire Children’s foster carers shares his experiences of providing rich and nourishing experiences for foster children across Hampshire – proving that Hampshire residents can provide remarkable moments in any location in the county.
Benjamin, one of the foster carers with Fostering Hampshire Children has been providing a safe home environment to foster children for over seven years.
Mainly involved in the looking after teenagers both in the short term and long term, Ben is the Hive Carer Support Worker for the Basingstoke, Aldershot & Farnborough Hampshire Hives with Fostering Hampshire Children.
The Hive is a support bubble for Fostering Hampshire Children foster carers and the children they care for. Over time families within the Hive will develop close relationships, like friends and family. The Hive families will identify any potential challenges and offer support to foster carers in their Hive to ensure the child/ren they care for remain in a stable home.
With the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, Ben decided to take his hive ‘on the road’ and showcase the amazing opportunities right on his doorstep that can provide nourishing and fun activities to vulnerable children who desperately crave it.
Climbing in Calshot
“We started the summer and welcomed the warm weather with a pool party. Making the most of the sunshine, Hive families enjoyed a catch up whilst the children entertained themselves in the pool and on the trampoline. During the summer Hive families attended a day at Calshot Activity Centre. Carers and children tired themselves out on the Ringo experience followed by an afternoon of sporting activities and lunch. Some even overcame their fears by trying the high ropes. It was amazing!”
Camping in Aldershot
“We had eighteen children from age five to eighteen and they were all up for joining in. The foster carers all got stuck in too – the jewellery making was particularly popular with them. We had a chance for a chat and lots of laughs. We had plenty of choice about where to camp. The site is split over two levels, surrounded by fields and woods – plenty of space for the children to run free and no neighbours to complain about the noise!”
It was a weekend filled with laughter, getting soaked in the water fight - adults and children alike, movie nights, swing ball, discos, Ping-Pong, hide and seek, painting and drawing and lots of jewellery making by everyone! A few dramas along the way and some flies here and there – but the children had an absolute ball and they all bonded, whether it was shared love of sports or battling over Uno – it was a real joy to watch!”
BBQ in Bitterne
“Five families attended and the kids had a great time playing in the lovely weather and enjoying the fresh air. Games were enjoyed in the park by all. The adults got to sit and chat whilst the children were having fun. We all had lots of burgers and hotdogs from the BBQ and doughnuts for afters.”
Crabbing in Waterlooville
“The adventure started by us all meeting up at the agreed point and together choosing a spot that was safe and fun. It was not too long before the children and young people started to catch crabs of all different sizes. At least one young person had never seen a live crab before, and this was a completely new experience for him which he seemed to love. The young people were taught how to look after the crabs while in their buckets and how to safely release them when we had finished. The families enjoyed a picnic midway through the adventure. The weather was beautiful, and the location was amazing. The children and young people made sure all the litter was picked up and taken back with them before we left. All the families, children and young people had a wonderful time something we will do again.”
Paddle Boarding in Gosport
“It was water below, sky above and fresh air in our lungs as the foster carers came together for a paddle boarding session. It was wet and windy, with plenty of topples into the sea – but the children and carers absolutely loved it – particularly getting soaked in the sun.”
Almost anyone can foster regardless of where they live in Hampshire. As long as you over 21, have a spare room, a tiny bit of care experience you can foster. Regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship and faith – you are eligible to join Fostering Hampshire Children.
For those interested in fostering with the County Council, the Fostering Hampshire Children website provides a wealth of resources, information and details of events. Hampshire residents are also encouraged to come along to one of the following events throughout Foster Focus Week to find out more:
- Sunday 23 October – Blue Light Day at Beaulieu (Waiting on complete confirmation)
- Monday 24 October – Marwell (Waiting on complete confirmation)
- Tuesday 25 October – Meet the Chamber Business Exhibition (Basingstoke)
- Wednesday 26 October – Paultons Park
- Thursday 27 October – Winchester Science Centre
- Friday 28 October – Watercress Line
We also have three virtual events this week too – with opportunities to chat with our knowledgeable recruitment team and our inspirational foster carers. Find out more about these events.
You can also sign up for our Fostering Hampshire Children newsletter too and stay up to date about all the fostering news and developments from your local authority.