Derry and Strabane Council buildings light up to raise awareness for Foster Care Fortnight

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council will light up civic buildings on Monday, May 12 to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight.

The week commencing Monday, May 12 until Sunday, May 25 2025 is Foster Care Fortnight which is used to shine a light on fostering and shows how foster care transforms lives.

HSC NI Foster Care proudly celebrate their foster carers during this time, and everything they do to support children and young people, giving them the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said she was delighted to light up Council buildings and The Alley Theatre in turquoise and yellow to raise awareness of such an important time.

“Every child deserves to live in a stable and loving home, where they feel valued and safe; where they can grow, learn and thrive. But unfortunately, the number of children currently in foster care within our city and district continues to grow. I am delighted to be supporting such an important cause and lighting up our civic buildings to raise awareness for Foster Care Fortnight.

READ NEXT: £99,800 War and Peace Programme launched at Newgate Arts and Culture Centre

“I would encourage everyone to have the discussion at home and consider becoming foster carers. By opening your home to a child or young person in need, you could transform their life all for the better. HSC NI Foster Care offer a wealth of knowledge and support to those considering becoming foster carers. If you are truly considering it, please reach out to those who can offer you guidance and advice to make that next step in changing someone’s life.”

The theme of this year’s awareness fortnight is The Power of Relationships. Whether it’s the bond between a foster carer and a child, the support of social workers, the friendships built within fostering communities, or the connections with birth families, these relationships shape lives, create stability and open up new possibilities for the future.

There are 3,359 children currently living in foster care in Northern Ireland and as this number continues to rise, HSC NI Foster Care are asking people to consider opening their hearts and homes to a child or young person in need.

“HSC NI foster carers come from various walks of life, offering diverse skills and experience to meet the individual needs of each child/young person. If you’re a good listener, patient, understanding, and compassionate you already have many of the qualities to make a great foster carer.

“You can foster whether you are single, married or have a partner; have children of your own or not; are employed or claiming benefits or own or rent your home. HSC NI Foster Care welcomes enquiries from people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation,” said a spokesperson from HSC NI Foster Care.

There are different ways to get involved depending on your lifestyle and personal circumstances as not all foster care requires a full-time commitment.

HSC NI foster carers receive ongoing support, tailored training and development opportunities, financial allowances and access to family activities and support groups.

To find out more call HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net 

HSC NI Foster Care host a range of information events throughout the year across Northern Ireland, both in-person and virtual. Keep up to date on social media. Facebook: @HSCAdoptionAndFosterCare; X: @HSCAdopt_Foster; Instagram: @hscni_adoption_fostercare