Info Sessions to Empower Hampshire Communities Set for Rollout

Several events will take place this month providing an opportunity for individuals to learn more about becoming foster parents.

The Hampshire County Council is organizing these events throughout Foster Care Fortnight, taking place from May 12 to May 25.

These events will provide an opportunity for individuals to listen directly to the personal stories of both present foster caregivers and personnel.

The council mentioned that these events will offer a glimpse into Hampshire's "welcoming fostering community."

The council’s foster care program consists of over 450 foster families and includes approximately 60 employees.

The service offers comprehensive assistance for families, encompassing Hive network systems.

These are supportive and social gatherings where seasoned as well as novice foster families can frequently join forces for family-oriented events, receive one-on-one assistance, and casually gather over coffee.

Currently, there are 23 Hives throughout Hampshire, with each one being headed by a Hive care support worker who is simultaneously acting as a foster parent.

Several of these support staff members will attend the forthcoming sessions in Alton, Basingstoke, and Gosport, along with the virtual ones.

The timings for the sessions are arranged as below:

- Online meeting: Tuesday, May 13, from 7 PM to 8 PM

- Session at Alton: Assembly Rooms, Tuesday, May 20th from 5 PM to 6:30 PM

- Gosport session: Discovery Centre, Wednesday, May 21, 3pm to 4.30pm

- Basingstoke session: Discovery Centre, Thursday, May 22, 3pm to 4.30pm

All sessions will give participants the opportunity to ask questions and meet a foster carer.

In preparation for Foster Care Fortnight, several foster carers from Hampshire County Council have opened up about the assistance they get via their nearby Hives.

Leanne, who is part of the Havent and Hayling Hive, mentioned: “In our support groups, we gather to exchange guidance, stories, and motivation, making sure nobody feels isolated throughout this process.”

The interactions we have with the children during events provide chances for them to form friendships as we enhance our relationships as caregivers.

Johnny said his local Hive is "a safe and supportive environment where individuals can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other".

He highlighted the busy calendar of social and supportive events, where members can openly discuss their challenges, emotions, and experiences.

Ali characterized her local Hive as a "remarkable team of caregivers, featuring a wide variety of fostering approaches."

She mentioned that their frequent gatherings, meetings at cafes, and events like barbecues for the kids or excursions with coaches provide excellent chances to exchange ideas and experiences.

Councillor Roz Chadd, who leads Hampshire County Council’s efforts on children’s services, stated: “Foster Care Fortnight serves as a crucial platform to highlight the constant demand for nurturing environments for children in Hampshire throughout the year.”

Their foster caregivers come from various walks of life, yet each one makes a daily impact by providing care, patience, and consistency to children and young individuals who have faced challenges early on.

"We are always looking for new foster carers to undertake different types of fostering arrangements to fit around their lives while meeting children’s individual needs – so why not make that step and come to a session?"

To learn more about the Hampshire Hive system and fostering in Hampshire, visit their website. hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/fostering