Released On 14th May 2016

Bridgwater shows-off children’s creations

People visiting Bridgwater Library are now being greeted by the bright and brilliant creations of Somerset children currently in care.

The artwork by 11-to-16-year-olds, many of whom are cared for by Somerset County Council Foster Carers, aims to celebrate their dreams, aspirations, passions and interests. Vitally it also hopes to inspire more people to become Foster Carers for this age group who are coming into care – as one of its greatest areas of need.

Bridgwater is one of the key places in Somerset where more Foster Carers are needed to offer a supportive and stable home life to a child. The Dreams and Aspirations show is in the Library’s foyer until mid-July, with information on how you can get in touch if you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer.

Among the creations are:
• A giant Somerset willow dream-catcher that all the children and young people worked to create, dotted with comments reflecting their ambitions and hopes for the future
• A self-portrait by an enthusiastic 12 year-old boy who wants to be a policeman when he’s older to help fight crime
• Experimental wildlife photography by a 13 year-old living in the Bridgwater area who’s ambitious to become a nature photographer
• A ‘dream pillow’ by a young teenager depicting her foster family, who wants to be a nurse when she is older, and two canvases of the family’s pet dogs by her younger sister who also wants a profession where she can help people.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “If you live in the Bridgwater area and are considering becoming a Foster Carer, either now or in the future, pay a visit to your local library – you’ll find all the inspiration you need.

“We would love to hear from anyone who could see themselves fostering a child aged 10 and older for Somerset. This age group is one of the hardest age groups to recruit for, because people perceive these young people to be much more challenging than a younger child. But many of our foster carers find they actually prefer fostering older children. They identify with them, can get on their wave length, enjoy mentoring and supporting them, feeding their aspirations, and watching them progress.

“Please phone 0800 5879900 or come to our next information session if you’re interested in finding out more.”

Somerset Fostering’s next information events are on:
• Saturday 2 July, 10am-12pm at Somerset Skills and Learning in Minehead
• Thursday 11 August, 7pm-9pm at Costa Coffee at Shepton Mallet
• Monday 12 September, 7pm-9pm at Taunton’s Holiday Inn
• Tuesday 18 October, 7pm-9pm at Bridgwater Costa Coffee

For full details click on www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/events or phone 0800 5879900 to secure your place. To find out more about Fostering for Somerset or for an information pack, click www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/id-like-to-foster or phone the team on 0800 587 9900 for a confidential chat.

For the full backstory to the Dreams and Aspirations art show, click here:www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/children-care-launch-art-exhibition-dreams-aspirations/

For the Flickr gallery of the children’s artwork, click here:www.flickr.com/photos/somersetcountycouncil/albums/72157668377689036