Thank you letter to foster carers
Dear Valued Carers,
This Fostering Fortnight I am writing to thank you for your essential work with the children and young people in your care.
As the group manager for the Lewisham Fostering Service, I am proud to see how our young people have grown under your care. I am also proud to see how people like you in our community have stepped up and welcomed young people into your home with open arms.
Fostering Fortnight is a special time of year for us in the service because it gives us a chance to reflect on how lucky we are to have dedicated foster carers like you. This past Monday we planted two trees in Forster Memorial Park in honour of your work. If you have a chance, take an afternoon to visit the park and see the trees for yourself.
Our theme for Fostering Fortnight is Foster Growth, where we focus on how the love and attention you give children helps them blossom. In many ways you are gardeners, patiently cultivating seedlings as they grow. Sometimes the conditions are difficult. Perhaps the sun doesn’t shine and the soil is poor, but our persistent gardeners find a way.
With life moving away from face masks and the sun poking more and more through the clouds, I encourage everyone to spend time enjoying the outdoors. Time outside hugely benefits our mental and physical health. In Lewisham we are lucky to be near so many green spaces. With playgrounds, beautiful views, game courts, and community gardens there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
I have enclosed a sunflower seed in this letter. I hope you will find a special place to plant it with your young person. My goal is that young people will get to learn about the life cycle of plants, how to nurture a seed into a flower, and see the efforts of their success when the sunflower goes from a tiny seed to a strong, tall flower.
Thank you again for your dedication. Lewisham will forever be shaped by your kindness.
Ola Aregbesola
Lewisham Council offers all foster carers competitive allowances, support and training. There are a range of different fostering options from short-term, emergency placements to long-term, permanent placements, and social workers speak with potential carers to see what works for their lives and families.
Most importantly, Lewisham foster carers are part of a community made up of truly passionate, caring and experienced social workers and carers who are making a real difference in their local community.
If you think you could make a difference in a child’s life contact Lewisham Council for an informal discussion on 0800 015 0129 or email fosteringrecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk.