Young author's poem celebrated for Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight, which takes place from May 9 to May 22, is a national campaign that aims to spread understanding about the positive difference fostering can make to people’s lives.

Oskar Leonard, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, worked with Wigan Council’s Million Voices youth group to create the poem, ‘Supported through the Storm’.

Oskar worked with young people in care to create the poem, which conveys the positive impact local foster carers have had on people across Wigan and Leigh.

It was then performed by the 18-year-old student in a moving video which can be found here.

Oskar reading his moving poem on Wigan Council's video

Oskar said: “Working with the young people to create a poem that used their words and thoughts about foster care was a really thought-provoking and emotional experience.

“I felt I had the privilege to be able to give them a creative outlet through my poem while also raising awareness to hopefully inspire more people to look into foster care in Wigan.

“Seeing the video and knowing that it may make a real difference for some young people was amazing and it has been a very worthwhile and touching project, which I am proud to have been a part of.”

With the theme of Foster Care Fortnight being 'Fostering Community', foster carers across the borough have been nominating those who they feel should receive extra recognition - with a series of surprise ‘doorstep rewards’ planned to recognise the work of carers and young people.

There will also be a celebration event on May 18 when local foster carers will receive long service awards to thank them for their dedication and commitment.

Councillor Jenny Bullen,  Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Wigan Council, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity for us to say a big thank you to all of the fantastic foster carers we have in the borough and to let them know how much we value their hard work and care.

“Foster carers really do change children and young people’s lives by offering them stability through safe and loving homes and introducing them to positive new opportunities and experiences.”

The council is currently recruiting new foster carers and Councillor Bullen is hopes the nationwide campaign will encourage more local people to step forward and apply.

She added: "Having more local foster carers will mean that we can look after our own children within the boundaries of Wigan Borough. This is a huge positive for our children as it usually means they don’t need to move schools and this is one of the many advantages of remaining living locally.

“I’m proud of the amazing support we’re able to offer our foster carers and can promise anyone who decides to step forward that you wouldn’t be on your own."

The council will run regular virtual information sessions, which are open to anyone who has an interest in becoming a foster carer.

The next session is planned on Wednesday, May 18 at 7pm, with more information can be found here.

Go to www.wigan.gov.uk/fostering to find out more and book your place.