Bracknell

Foster children and their families enjoyed a day out in Swanage, Dorset, on Friday, August 31 thanks to Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Waitrose.

Every year Bracknell Council's Family Placement Team, which arranges foster care and adoption in the borough, organises day trips for children who have been fostered and their foster families.

On this trip, 32 foster carers and children joined in the fun which was made even better thanks to Waitrose who generously covered the cost of the coach hire.

Everyone spent the day at the beach, swimming, riding the bumper cars and burying each other in the sand. Some also went on Swanage's famous steam train to Corfe Castle.

Sandra McGinley, Head of Children's Social Care, Health and Wellbeing said: "As always, the generous support from Waitrose makes a massive difference to children in care throughout the borough.

"Our foster carers and their children and fostered children, give so much, that it is wonderful to see them enjoy a really great fun day out, away from the humdrum of every day life.

"It can also be a chance for the foster carers to chat to, and support one another, within a fun environment."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member of Bracknell Children's Services, said: "I really admire foster carers and the brilliant and often selfless work that they do.

"Day trips like this are a way of saying thank you to the foster carers and giving them the opportunity to do something fun with the children that they look after.

"I'd like to say thank you to Waitrose for their generous donation which made the trip to Swanage possible."

Stuart Gibbon, Manager of the Waitrose, Birch Hill, Bracknell said: "I'm really pleased that Waitrose were able to support the Family Placement Team at the Council in organising this day out.

"It's great that the children can go to the seaside with their foster families and really enjoy themselves."

There are currently 11 teenagers needing long-term care in the borough and the Council urgently needs more people to become foster carers.

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer and the Family Placement Team offers flexible fostering options to suit you, your family and your lifestyle.

Fore more information and an informal talk, the next fostering and adoption open evening is on Thursday 15 November, at The Family Centre on Warfield Road, Bracknell, from 7-9 pm.

For more information contact the Family Placement Team on: 01344 351582 or complete a no-commitment online expression of interest form at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering

Bracknell Forest Borough Council