A ‘spooktacular’ welcome greeted South Eastern Trust Kinship Foster Carers and their families as Clough’s Mountpanther Farm Park opened its doors for its annual ‘Pumpkin Fest’.
The special morning brought together Kinship Foster Carers, children and Trust staff to take part in ‘fangtastic’ Halloween themed activities such as pumpkin picking and carving, games and for those brave enough, a chance to encounter the farm’s haunted maze.
Inbetween the festivities, Kinship Foster Carer Michelle Cosheril shared how much she was enjoying the day. “I do look forward to meeting up with other Carers, we all have different stories and we have all helped each other,” said Michelle. “It is just great to see so many people here at Mountpanther and all the kids running about having fun. Getting that chance to talk to everyone has been great!”
South Eastern Trust Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work Lyn Preece described the morning as a, “fabulous day for our Kinship Carers.” “Our Kinship Carers are the people who offer care and support to their family members and it is important that we support them as much as we can. It is such a privilege to be here to celebrate Halloween with them and I want to thank all of the staff who have brought the families here together.”
Assistant Director, Safeguarding and Family Support Jason Caldwell explained how “incredibly important” the seasonal event was to Kinship Carers and their families.
“It has been very humbling for me to meet with the Kinship Carers, to hear their stories and meet the children as well. Many of the children have had a really difficult experience growing up and it is great to hear about the progress they have made with their Carers. Events such as these, not only show our appreciation for our Carers, it also provides a vital support and allows them, and the children that are in their care, to have fun together with other Carers and their families.
“I am delighted to be here as this is a chance, as a Trust, to hear how we can best support our Kinship Carers further.”
