Foster children work together to help transform community garden
A group of our foster children, aged between seven and 16, organised a talent show to celebrate Care Day 2019 and raise vital funds for Young Minds – the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. While showcasing the talents and voices of our young people, the event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of such an important and relevant issue.
The children and young people who took part are all currently in foster care through our Gloucester and Bristol offices and are part of the Young People’s Group. The group is made up of fostered children from across the South West who work together to plan activities and events to raise money for different charities.
Organised by the group, the talent show, titled Speak Out, featured over 25 performances which included gymnastics, dancing, poetry readings and artwork presentations. The show benefitted from local businesses supporting the event and including a raffle that raised over £75.
The winner of the talent show gave a beautiful and heart-warming speech about her ‘Forever Home’. She told the story of how her and her little brother came into foster care, their previous placements and the overwhelming joy of being placed into a permanent home.
Jill Coulter, team manager at Five Rivers in Gloucester, said: “This event has been a fantastic opportunity for youngsters in care to showcase their talents and a reminder for us all on the importance of the work Five Rivers does to help young people reach their full potential and have their voices heard.”
Jill continued, “Thank you to every member of the Young People’s Group who made this event happen, it wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication, creative thinking and team work.”
If you would like to know more about how you can help a child in need, or the personal and career benefits of fostering, or would just like an informal chat with our team you can reach us on 0345 266 0272 or carer.enquiries@five-rivers.org