Portsmouth City Council showed its appreciation of their dedicated team of foster carers by inviting them to an evening of celebration at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 17 July.

Organised by the council’s fostering service Foster Portsmouth, the event was held to thank carers for their hard work and commitment to children and young people from the city. It included a buffet, a live band, and magic, and foster carers were invited to ‘dress to impress’ and to bring their dancing shoes.

Cllr Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said: We are proud to have been able to offer our devoted foster carers a chance to celebrate, and to spend time connecting with others in our close-knit fostering community.”

“Foster Portsmouth arrange regular social events and activities to support our foster families and the children in their care, and to provide them with an opportunity for mutual support and to relax together as a community. However, for the first time, we also wanted to host a special evening just for the foster carers themselves.

By providing foster carers with the tools and support needed to succeed, Foster Portsmouth ensures the children and young people in their care have the chance to thrive and meet their potential.

Foster Portsmouth’s foster carers play a vital role in the development of the service, and are involved in key decision making as respected members of a committed ‘team around the child’.

They also become part of a strong network of likeminded people who share the same experiences and challenges, building a strong close-knit community spirit with other carers.

Foster carer Jo said: In Portsmouth, we have a wonderful collaborative relationship across the team. We’re working hard to make lasting positive impacts to benefit carers and the children in our fantastic city.”

“The celebration evening was brilliant. Personally, I feel it showed more of a celebration of our collaborative approach and the rewards that is bringing. Thank you Foster Portsmouth!

Another foster carer Tania added: We really enjoyed ourselves and getting glammed up. It was a great event – lovely food and lots of it, great company and lots of catching up with people we haven’t seen for a while.

The event was sponsored by the Etec Group. The family-owned building contractor, founded over two decades ago, offers refurbishments, extensions, electrical services, fit-outs and new builds across London and the South East, and now nationwide.

Etec work across the leisure, education, retail, healthcare and housing sectors, earning a reputation for timely, high-quality project delivery and their professional, yet personal approach.

The evening’s music was provided by local band The Wishlist and décor by On Trend Balloons. A free raffle was also part of the evening featuring donated items or experiences from local businesses including from Portsmouth Guildhall, Georgie’s Nail Lab and Tandem Electrical.

For enquires or to arrange a 1:1 with Foster Portsmouth’s experienced team or existing foster carers, visit: www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk, call 0300 1312797 or email info@lafosteringse.org.uk.