Over 260 foster carers, children, and families from across the East Midlands came together for a sunshine-filled day at Shipley Park to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight 2025 — and what a day it was!
Organised by Foster for East Midlands Councils, made up of Derby City, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire County, and Derbyshire County Councils – the event was a special way to say thank you to our incredible foster carers and raise awareness about the importance of fostering.
This year’s theme was “The Power of Relationships”, and it really came to life on the day. Smiles, laughter, and warm conversations were shared everywhere you looked. Friends old and new came together to enjoy games, share stories, and celebrate the strong bonds that make fostering so special.
Foster carers play a vital role in our community. They provide safe, loving homes for children who cannot live with their birth families – often during very difficult times. Their dedication helps children feel supported, valued, and safe, and it gives them the chance to grow and thrive. The Councils across the East Midlands depend on these incredible individuals to help care for children locally, and this event was just one way of showing how much their hard work is appreciated.
The event was packed with exciting activities, including a bouncy castle, African drumming, arts and crafts, mini trampoline bouncing, dancing and even kickboxing. There was even a 'best dressed dog' competition, as we know our fury friends form part of fostering families too!
Families also got to take part in a Foster Walk, inspired by the national campaign led by The Fostering Network. Collectively, foster carers and their families walked over 40 miles around the beautiful park, waving fostering flags and showing pride in their community.
Entertainment came from the amazing Plus One Theatre Group, who brought music, dancing and energy to the stage. Thanks to kind donations from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) organisation and the food producer SmartParc SERGO Derby, children also enjoyed tasty treats and a free ice cream each – a perfect way to cool down on a sunny day!
The Ross foster family attending the event said:
Just wanted to express our appreciation for today’s event. My kids have thoroughly enjoyed it. I know a lot of hard work and effort goes into organising these things and it was totally worth it. Thanks to everyone who has participated.
Another foster carer family said:
Congratulations on running a wonderfully successful event!
A new person considering fostering, came along to the event and they said:
Coming to the fostering event was a big step for me, but I’m so glad I did. The child I care for absolutely loved it – we had a fabulous time together. I couldn’t believe everything was free, from the ice cream to the tea, coffee, and all the amazing activities. As I looked around, I found myself thinking, maybe fostering is going to be okay for us. For the first time, I felt like we might really be part of something. I’m already asking what’s next – I want to get more involved.
Activity provider Rok-Ard Kickboxing team said:
We had a great time at the event, working with the families and passing on our Kickboxing knowledge, it was lovely seeing a range of individuals taking part.
Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands Councils said:
Foster carers are true champions for children in our community. The love, stability and care they provide helps young people feel safe and confident to move forward in life. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, and events like this are just one way we can say thank you and show them how valued they are.
By bringing together foster families and community supporters, the day truly showed the power of caring, connection, and fun. Foster Care Fortnight is more than just a celebration – it's a reminder of how important foster carers are, and how much they are valued.
Could you be the one to make a difference? Join the incredible network of foster carers who are changing lives across the East Midlands. Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire councils.
Call 03033 132 950 or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more.
Pictures from the day at Shipley Park
