Businesses gather to show their support for Foster Care Fortnight

Launched in March 2024, the North East Lincolnshire Council Foster Friendly business initiative began with Grimsby Town Football Club as its first member. In just over a year, more than 150 businesses have committed to being 'fostering friendly.' This flexible scheme encourages businesses to support Foster Carers who may work for them and to assist the Foster Carer community through discounts on goods and services or through raising awareness.

The campaign was introduced to highlight the need for local Foster Carers and to show appreciation for those who open their homes to children and young people in care.

The event was opened by Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, alongside Mell Stacey, who shared her personal experiences of growing up in Foster Care in North East Lincolnshire. Mell's heartfelt speech emphasised the importance of Foster Families in providing safety and stability to children in care.

Mark Webb, Managing Director of the E-Factor and the Business Hive attended the event and said:

“I have always been proud that E-Factor Group and the Business Hive are a Fostering Friendly business, and after today’s event, meeting so many incredible foster carers, and hearing their stories, I am more proud.  I am in awe of The Team at NELC, The Foster Carers and most importantly, the young people themselves, many of whom have been through more challenges in their teenage lives than most of us will face in a lifetime.

What an uplifting event and what an inspiring group of people. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look at how you could help make a very real difference to a local child’s future by fostering or supporting Foster Families.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children’s and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council said:

“This initiative has really taken off in the last 12 months and we can’t thank all of the local businesses and schools for signing up and becoming Foster Friendly.

To have over 150 businesses pledge to support our fostering community is fantastic and a true testament to how our wonderful borough really pulls together for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council said:

“There was such a buzz in the room and it was fantastic to see our Foster Carer’s talking to the businesses.

They were given the opportunity to share their own stories about their fostering experiences and it was palpable how hearing from these incredible people really impacted the people in the room.

Our Foster Carers are true heroes and it was the perfect opportunity to make sure they feel valued and listened to in a room full of business owners and partners.”

To find out more about becoming a Foster Friendly business with contact fosterfriendlybusiness@nelincs.gov.uk