Central Bedfordshire foster families enjoy Whipsnade Zoo picnic
More than 60 foster and kinship carers, children and young people enjoyed a fun day out at Whipsnade Zoo.
Central Bedfordshire Council’s annual fostering summer picnic brought together experienced foster carers, families who are new to fostering and carers who are soon to be approved.
It’s just one of the events throughout the year that give the families to meet, alongside receiving ongoing advice, training and support provided by the council’s fostering team.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, executive member for children and families at Central Bedfordshire Council, joined families at the picnic. He said: “It was fantastic to spend time with some of our foster and kinship families at Whipsnade and see the strength of the community that has grown around them.
“Foster carers do an incredibly important job, opening their homes and providing children and young people with the stability, care and support they need. We want our carers to feel supported too, and bringing families together gives them the chance to build friendships, share experiences and know there are other people around them who understand the rewards and challenges of fostering.”
For some of the children, the playground proved just as exciting as the animals. One carer said: “Give them a swing and they’ll happily play. Made me smile – I think we have only seen birds, no animals at all!”
Another said: “Thank you for the zoo trip. It was a lovely day out and nice to meet a couple of other carers too.”
Families were able to enjoy the day with discounted tickets provided through Whipsnade Zoo’s Community Access Scheme.