Fun day for children in care

Release Date: 22-Aug-2008

Bristol City Council has celebrated its annual fun day for children in care in Bristol, foster carers and carer's own children, at The Rose Green Centre, in Whitehall.

The day was organised by residential staff, family placement social workers and staff from partner agencies working for the council's Children and Young People's Services, to say thank you to children and carers for their hard work throughout the year. It was also an opportunity for all to celebrate receiving positive feedback during this year's Ofsted inspection, with the service judged to be 'good'.

On the day, staff organised a number of stands with information for carers and children.

These included:

An information stand for carers with the emphasis on education and learning, with advisors from the council's Education for Children Looked After Service
Advice from the Care & After team for carers looking after young people, about further education and moving on from care
Workers from 'Reconstruct' were also there to advise young people on how they could use an independent advocate to help express any grievances they may have

Enjoying a break

Carers were treated to a well-earned break on the day with free pampering sessions by beauty therapists, and enjoyed manicures, pedicures and Indian head massages.

There were also plenty of activities to keep children entertained including Karaoke, face painting, circus activities with circomedia, arts and crafts, and beat the goalie football.

Carers, children and staff were treated to a barbecue, and thanks to a new juice bar, called 'out of the blue', based in Sibury Road, Ashton, this year carers and children enjoyed healthly fresh fruit smoothies, to help them on their way to five a day.

In the afternoon The Lord Mayor, the Right Honourable Councillor Christopher Davies and his wife, The Lady Mayoress of Bristol, Mrs Susan Joan Davies, visited the event. They looked at some of the stalls and enjoyed meeting carers and children. The Lord Mayor gave a short speech in which he praised the work of carers and staff.

In total 250 children, carers and staff attended. This is 100 more than last year's event.

Ian McDowall, Bristol City Council's Programme Director Safeguarding and Specialist Support Services, added: “This event is growing in popularity year on year. We were also really lucky with the weather this year, and must have had the only sunny day this summer. Thanks to all the staff who came and made it such an enjoyable occasion for all the children, young people and their carers."

More foster carers needed

For more information about fostering or adoption, contact Bristol City Council's Family Placement Recruitment Team, on 0117 954 8545.

The council urgently needs more foster carers for older children and teenagers. In particular, the council needs people who can offer longer term placements for children to live with them until they reach independence. The council also needs more Black and mixed heritage families to adopt Black & Dual Heritage Children and there is currently a real need for adopters for sibling groups and children with disabilities.

Author: Katharine de Lisle 0117 922 2732

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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