On Saturday 20 May, Dorset Council’s fostering service hosted a group dog walk along Weymouth Esplanade to raise awareness of Dorset’s need for more foster carers.
Dorset Council foster carers attended, alongside members of the fostering team, with many people bringing family members, children, and of course their beloved dogs.
The walk started at Lodmoor Country Park before continuing along the esplanade to the dog-friendly section of the beach.
Photo by Finnbarr Webster
The attendees wore purple – the colour of the Mockingbird model which creates an extended support network for Dorset Council’s foster families. The dogs joined in by wearing purple bandanas.
The event coincided with Foster Care Fortnight, a national awareness-raising campaign that highlights the shortage of foster carers across the UK.
As well as acting as an opportunity to spark conversation amongst the public, the event was also an opportunity for members of Dorset Council’s fostering community to catch up and meet in person.
Nikki Wadeson, one of Dorset Council’s foster carers, said: “the walk today was a brilliant way to raise awareness. The banner, the t-shirts and the dogs wearing purple, all of it goes towards getting the attention of our local community and starting a conversation.
“Local children and young people desperately need more people to foster with Dorset Council, to offer loving, safe and secure homes. If you are considering fostering, I cannot recommend it enough. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.”
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help said; “Our aim is to keep local children and young people in the county they call home – close to family, friends and their schools. To do this, we need more people to foster with us.
“The fostering team is holding a careers fair this Thursday 25 May at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester, between 2-6pm. The team will be there to answer any questions you might have, and our foster carers will be attending to share their true-life experiences. If you are considering fostering, then please come along to find out more.”
Could you foster with Dorset Council?
Dorset children and young people need foster carers, and we are looking for foster carers from all walks of life to meet this need.
Download an information pack, submit an enquiry, or head to www.fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com to find out more.
Subscribe to our monthly fostering newsletter and follow Foster with Dorset Council on social media to receive regular updates.
Photo by Finnbarr Webster
