Sandwell Children’s Trust foster carers are marking the annual celebration of their work by making their celebration at West Bromwich Albion football ground a ‘single use plastics free’ event.

The celebration lunch at the Hawthorns with local community leaders on Thursday 18th October is thought to be the first of its kind. The Right Honourable Jacqui Smith, Chair of Sandwell Children’s Trust said:

"The day is all about saying ‘thank-you’ to our foster carers who do such a vital job for Sandwell. Not just the Trust, but everyone in Sandwell owes them a debt of gratitude. 

"By making today a single use plastics free event also shows something about the Trust.  We want to take the wider view, do the right thing and encourage everyone we work with that we all need to do ‘our bit’ to create the best environment for our children to grow and flourish."

The annual celebration is the first since Sandwell Children’s Trust was launched in April and it’s the biggest event ever held for Sandwell foster carers, with community leaders and service providers also invited along to this year’s celebration. Frances Craven, Chief Executive Officer of Sandwell Children’s Trust added:

"We know that our foster carers are dedicated to their work, caring for a child 24/7 is a big commitment. What people don’t always realise is that there may be a foster carer in your street – all over Sandwell and beyond, people are doing amazing things, caring for children, nurturing and supporting them to be the best that they can. 

"We’re very proud of our foster carers and today we all want to say ‘thank-you for fostering for Sandwell. But that’s not the whole story. As brilliant as our foster carers are, we are also facing a growing need to find more good people to step forward and foster."

To contact Sandwell Children’s Trust about becoming a foster carer you can call 0800 359 0899 or visit the website at sandwellchildrenstrust.org.