At Foster for East Midlands Councils, we’re proud to celebrate Black History Month in the UK this October. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” highlights the importance of unity, heritage, and empowerment within Black communities.
We want to take this opportunity to recognise and honour the remarkable contributions of our Black foster carers, who bring invaluable experiences, cultural understanding, and compassion to their fostering journeys. Their dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of the children they care for.
Stories like Mavis’s remarkable fostering journey remind us of the love, resilience, and commitment that define so many of our carers. Mavis’s story is a powerful example of how embracing cultural identity and heritage can help children feel safe, seen, and supported. Mavis has helped many children grow up feeling happy and proud of who they are. As she says:
It's about giving them love and helping them feel safe.
Her story is one of many from our carers that show how love and kindness can change lives.
As we reflect on the theme of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” we celebrate the incredible Black carers who nurture and uplift children from all backgrounds, while helping those from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds stay connected to their roots. At Foster for East Midlands Councils, we’re committed to:
- Championing cultural identity and supporting children to understand and celebrate their heritage.
- Providing inclusive training and support ensuring carers feel empowered to meet every child’s cultural and emotional needs.
- Encouraging more people from Black communities to consider fostering and make a difference in a child’s life.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:
Black History Month is an important reminder of the strength and pride within Black communities across our region and the UK. Our Black foster carers make an incredible contribution every day, offering love, stability, and cultural connection to the children in their care. Their impact reaches far beyond individual households — it strengthens our communities and helps shape a more inclusive future for everyone.
Black History Month reminds us that representation matters in our communities, our families, and in foster care. To every Black foster carer making a difference every single day, we thank you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you in power and pride.
Foster for East Midlands Councils recruitment hub, managed by Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, helps people make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life. Covering these areas, the hub supports potential foster carers from their first enquiry through to approval, offering full training, clear guidance, and ongoing support.
As a fostering community, Foster for East Midlands Councils has carer meet-ups for our Black carers to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their role in children’s lives.
On Saturday 25 October, 1pm to 4pm Foster for East Midlands Councils will be attending the Black History Month Community Event at Nottingham University, Samworth Academy, Bilborough, NG8 4HY. Our team will be available to talk about fostering, share information, and celebrate the difference our Black carers make in children’s lives every day.
You can also contact Foster for East Midlands Councils by calling call 03033 132 950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk,
Visit Foster for East Midlands Councils events web page to learn more about their online and in-person fostering information events.