Over 350 foster carers from Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire came together last week at Goosedale Hall for a special event of recognition. The day was all about celebrating the amazing work foster carers do for children in their care and their local communities.
Organised by Mockingbird, part of Foster for East Midlands Councils, the event focused on the theme: Hope, Healing, and Humour. Foster carers joined in interactive sessions to learn, share experiences, and connect with others.
Helen Fearn, Trauma Aware Care, discussed the importance of trauma-aware care, while Karen Hazard, Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, explained how sensory therapy can support children's development. Amy Johnson (BA MA MA Diet & Nutrition Dip L4, and Coach), Director of Feelgood Wellbeing Ltd, shared practical ways to promote wellbeing, and special guest comedian Kiri Pritchard-Mclean brought laughter and warmth as she recounted her own experiences as a respite foster carer.
Brenda Hall, a foster carer from Derbyshire, said;
It was so great to come together as foster carers, share our experiences, listen to support, and also laugh. The whole day was amazing, from the crèche for the young children to the keynote speakers and the refreshments. I and other carers felt truly appreciated.
Another foster carer who attended the event shared their experience, saying;
Listening to the speakers and being around like-minded people was truly inspirational, and having a day like this to myself was invaluable. Fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, so being able to connect with others, share experiences, and gain new insights really makes a difference. It was amazing to feel supported, appreciated, and reminded of the positive impact we have on children's lives.
Local authorities also took this opportunity to thank foster carers for their dedication. Every day, these carers make a huge difference by keeping children safe and supported in their communities.
Mockingbird is an award-winning program led by The Fostering Network. It helps foster families build strong, supportive communities. This model has been a huge success across Foster for East Midlands Councils, creating a caring network for children and carers.
Andrea Dore, Mockingbird Team Manager, said;
It was fantastic to see so many foster carers come together and take time for themselves. Fostering can be challenging and events like this provide a valuable opportunity to recharge, share experiences and feel part of a strong support network. The keynote speakers played a crucial role in this, offering expert advice on trauma-aware care, sensory therapy and wellbeing. Seeing carers leave feeling uplifted, inspired and appreciated was truly rewarding.
Chris Senior, Head of Foster Care policy & Foster Care / Regional Care Cooperatives implementation unit, said;
It was lovely to see so many foster carers from different local authorities and experience the ‘buzz’ and sense of community. I hope this is the first of many Foster for East Midlands regional gatherings that will provide a useful forum for sharing experiences and learning.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands Councils, said;
Foster carers play an essential role in transforming children's lives, providing them with stability, care and encouragement. This event was a wonderful chance to acknowledge their dedication and give them the recognition they truly deserve. My immense thanks on behalf of the children and young people for your commitment and support. It is immeasurably important for each of them.
Right now, there is an urgent need for local authority foster carers. Across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, over 3,300 children are in care, but only half find foster homes. More carers are needed for children of all ages, especially for siblings, teenagers and children with special needs.
Foster for East Midlands Councils, is a regional fostering hub which was launched in collaboration with four local councils in May 2024 to enhance recruitment and support for foster carers. This dedicated team guides prospective carers through every step of the process from enquiry to application. Once approved the support network of the councils provides 24/7 support and comprehensive training ensuring carers are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of children in their care.
For more information, visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, attend a fostering information event, or call us at 0303 3132 950.
Special guest comedian Kiri Pritchard-Mclean
Helen Fearn, Trauma Aware Care
Karen Hazard, Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner
Amy Johnson, Director of Feelgood Wellbeing Ltd
