The initiative, which saw staff, foster carers, and community members come together, aimed to spotlight fostering, spark conversations, and attract potential new foster carers. Local artist Holly, trading as Serpentine Designs, created chalk drawings of the fostering logo in two locations: Riverhead Square and St James Square. These were surrounded by additional messages drawn by event attendees.
Participants gathered outside Grimsby Town Hall before walking to Riverhead Square, where they added inspirational phrases, helpful information, and contact details for pedestrians. The Grimsby Minster was also illuminated in orange until November 6th as part of the campaign.
The event's primary goal was to capture the attention of passers-by. By chalking contact details onto the pavement, the NEL Fostering team hopes to generate more enquiries. This effort is part of a wider initiative by North East Lincolnshire to keep local children in familiar environments, addressing the issue of nearly 18,000 children in care across England living more than 20 miles from home.
“"It was a wonderful afternoon for everyone to all come together. I absolutely loved all the messages on the pavement, I hope this inspires more people to become a foster carer. It was a wonderful event, and I hope we can do more things like this as a community in future."
