FOSTER carers and their families from across the Limestone Coast recently ventured to Mount Gambier’s Valley Lakes precinct to connect and socialise during the school holiday break.
Children explored the popular playground as foster carers reconnected or met for the first time at the annual Limestone Coast Easter carer community event.
A week of cooler conditions and rainfall failed to dampen the spirits of those who attended the April 19 event with carers travelling up to two hours one-way to join the celebration.
OneFortyOne Wood Products generously handled catering duties with a barbecue lunch while families were treated to Easter eggs handed out on the day.
ac.care foster care services Limestone Coast regional manager Sherri Winter thanked carers and their families for attending the popular annual event.
“The Easter and school holiday period is always a busy time for families, but we appreciate the time and effort our foster carers and their families made to attend this celebration,” Ms Winter said.
“It is a great chance for everyone to catch up, make new connections and find social support in the carer community.
“Our ac.care staff also value the opportunity to meet in a relaxed, social atmosphere where we can strengthen relationships with carers and children alike.”
Ms Winter said Christmas and South Australian Foster and Kinship Carers Week provided other key events on the social calendar, as well as regular coffee outings.
“Every foster carer is on their own journey and by coming together with other carers, they can celebrate outcomes and explore challenges with their peers,” she said.
“We are fortunate as staff to also see first-hand how the love and support of carers is helping children to thrive.”
Murraylands foster carers and their families will join for a community celebration on May 11, aimed at creating a fun space where all children can enjoy party food, play party games and feel a sense of belonging.
Ahead of this month’s celebration, ac.care foster care services manager Thanuja Hiripitiyage encouraged more country South Australians to consider opening their heart and home to children and young people in need.
“The demand for local carers continues to grow so we can support local children who are unable to live with their birth families,” Ms Hiripitiyage said.
“Foster care can be flexible and you can provide long-term or short-term care, as well as emergency or respite care.”
ac.care is seeking country South Australians to join its network of foster carers across the Limestone Coast, Murraylands, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
“We have staff based locally to support people with training to become foster carers and are available to provide 24/7 support as part of a care team for children and young people,” Ms Hiripitiyage said.