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Edition - June 2025

Hull Fostering News and Events

Welcome to the Hull Fostering Newsletter – May Highlights
This past month has been one of celebration, connection, and real community pride.

From the city lighting up blue for Foster Care Fortnight, to bouncing around at Gravity, picnicking in the sunshine with the RSPCA, and gearing up for an action-packed ice hockey match – May has reminded us just how strong and joyful our fostering family truly is.

We’ve welcomed new carers, seen incredible acts of kindness from our local partners, and watched our children laugh, play and shine. These are the moments that make all the difference – the quiet but powerful proof that fostering changes lives.

Whether you're already part of our family or just curious about what we do, this newsletter is a little window into the magic happening across Hull – powered by everyday people doing extraordinary things.

National Volunteers’ Week – A Perfect Time to Get Involved

It’s National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–8th June), and we want to shine a big, warm spotlight on all the wonderful volunteers who support Hull Fostering.

From helping out at stalls and events, to delivering essentials, lending a listening ear, or just turning up with a smile – our volunteers are the heart of what we do.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a foster carer to get involved. If you’ve got a bit of time, a kind heart, or a skill to share – we’d love to hear from you.

🎨 Music?
🧁 Baking?
⚽ Coaching?
👂 Listening?

Whatever your gift – there’s a place for you here.

We provide all the training and support. You bring yourself.

Foster Care Fortnight: A City Lit with Love

As Foster Care Fortnight 2025 wrapped up, we were left with full hearts and huge smiles. What an incredible two weeks of raising awareness, sharing stories, and celebrating the power of fostering in Hull.

Our city lit up in support of our looked-after children and foster families.

From City Hall and Queen Victoria Square to the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull was awash in blue light to show love, solidarity, and pride.

A major highlight was Hull-born actor Liam Garrigan officially becoming our very first Fostering Ambassador. In his heartfelt video message, Liam spoke about his love for Hull, his admiration for foster carers, and why he’s proud to use his voice to support local children.

Throughout the fortnight, we ran community stalls, pop-up events, and information sessions across the city – and the impact was immediate.

Dozens of people stopped by to ask questions, grab leaflets, or simply chat about what fostering is really like.

Over 60 poster boards championed Hull Fostering all across the city, while our social media campaign reached thousands with honest, hopeful stories of real foster carers making a difference.

And it wasn’t just about awareness – it was about action. Enquiries are already coming in from those inspired by what they saw and heard.

Thank you to everyone who shared a post, gave a quote, or started a conversation.

The spirit of Foster Care Fortnight continues to ripple through Hull – and it’s because of you.

Paws, Picnics & Pure Joy – A Magical Afternoon at the RSPCA

What do you get when you mix sunny weather, happy kids, wagging tails and an orchard picnic? One unforgettable afternoon with Hull Fostering and our friends at the RSPCA Hull & East Riding.

Our fostering families were invited for a private picnic in the beautiful, tucked-away orchard behind the RSPCA rehoming centre. Families brought blankets, children played garden games, and carers had the rare chance to sit, chat, and enjoy a moment of peace.

But the icing on the cake? A behind-the-scenes tour of the RSPCA centre, where our children got to meet the cats and dogs looking for their forever homes. There were gentle strokes, excited giggles, and moments of calm connection with the animals.

For many of our children, this was a new and meaningful experience. It’s these moments – free, simple, full of heart – that help build confidence and joy.

As always, the event brought our fostering community closer together. Our children played beautifully, carers swapped stories, and we even got a live audition for Foster Fest from two of our youngest stars (spoiler: they nailed it and will be centre stage this summer!).

Huge thanks to the RSPCA team for their generosity and warmth – this day will live long in our hearts.

Bouncing Into Half-Term Happiness at Gravity Hull

During May half term, Hull Fostering pulled out all the stops to give our children a day of freedom, fun and pure joy.

We hosted a private Gravity party for over 100 children and young people in care – and what a bounce it was! They were treated to an hour of trampoline time, bouncing socks, and a snack pack to fuel the fun.

The verdict? “Best day ever!”

As children soared through the air and raced across the trampolines, the room was filled with laughter and red-cheeked smiles. It wasn’t just a party – it was a chance to be carefree, confident, and included.

These experiences are more than treats – they’re powerful moments that help children feel seen, supported and celebrated. They also give our foster carers space to connect, breathe and enjoy their community.

A big thank you to the team at Gravity Hull and Healthy Holidays Hull for helping make this happen.

Hull’s Charity Ice Hockey Match – Fast, Fierce, and Full of Heart

Get ready, Hull! On Saturday 2nd August, the Hull Arena will host an ice hockey showdown like no other – and it’s all in support of Hull Fostering.

Two incredible teams – The Sheriffs and The Chip Spice Heroes – will go head-to-head in a charity match featuring some of the best players from:

• Kingston Sharks

• Kingston Reapers

• Hull Jets

• Hull University Ice Hogs

• Hull Knights

It’s set to be an electric night of sport and community spirit – and you’re invited. Entry is completely free, with fun extras like a tombola, buns, and stalls to browse.

Even better, Kingston Reapers have set up a JustGiving page for those who’d like to support the cause. Every penny raised will go toward buying Christmas presents for children in care and helping us deliver Foster Fest – our summer celebration for Hull’s fostering families.

Saturday 2nd August 2025

Doors open 3pm

Face-off at 5pm

Hull Arena

Bring the family, cheer loud, and help us make this a day to remember – for the children who need it most.

Welcome to the Hull Fostering Family, Amanda & Ewen!

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Amanda and Ewen into the Hull Fostering family.

With big hearts, calm energy, and an incredible sense of compassion, they’ve stepped into the world of fostering ready to make a real difference.

Like many carers, they came to us with questions – and left with a sense of belonging, confidence, and the support of a whole team behind them.

We’re already hearing such lovely feedback from their fostering social worker, and the children they’re supporting are thriving.

If you’re thinking, “Could I do that too?” – let’s have a chat. No pressure. Just honesty and support.

Visit www.hullfostering.co.uk to learn more or message us fostering@hullcc.gov.uk

Together, We Make Hull Stronger

As we wrap up this month’s news, we’re left with full hearts – and a deep sense of pride for everything our carers, children, and supporters have achieved together.

Fostering isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. And whether you’re helping at an event, opening your home, or just learning more about how it works – you’re part of something big and beautiful.

If anything in this newsletter has made you smile, sparked a question, or tugged at your heart, we’d love to chat.

No pressure. No big commitments. Just a warm conversation about what fostering in Hull is really like.

Visit: www.hullfostering.co.uk
Or drop us a message – we’re here when you’re ready.

Because here in Hull, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and part of a family. And that journey starts with people just like you.