Bromley’s children in care and care leavers attended ‘Our Fun Day 2022’ for a day of games, fun activities, inflatables, and a delicious selection of food and treats.
In its role as ‘corporate parents’ to Bromley’s children in care, Bromley Council worked in partnership with Living in Care Council (LinCC) and London South East Colleges to host ‘Our Fun Day 2022’ at their Rookery Lane location.
Every member of the Council and its staff have a responsibility as ‘corporate parents’ to the borough’s children looked after. A commitment that saw attendance at this event by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Cllr for Environment Aisha Cuthbert and a number of other elected members, along with the Directors of Children’s Services and Education and other members of staff from across the Council, some who could not resist joining in the fun and games too.
Councillor Kate Lymer, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families said: “In Bromley, we take our responsibilities as ‘corporate parents’ very seriously indeed – this is not just about children’s services, but the Council as a whole coming together to demonstrate support for all our children. This day was important for children and families to ‘let their hair down’ and share time together. This year we were also proud to welcome children and families from Ukraine to this event as well.
“I’m grateful for all the organisers and attendees for making the day so enjoyable. It is always heartening to see and hear about how far Bromley’s children have come and to know that parents, carers, elected members and our staff are proud of the part everyone plays in a child’s care journey.”
This year’s event was the first opportunity for Bromley’s children in care, care leavers, parents, and staff to come together to celebrate with each other in three years due to the pandemic disruption. Hundreds of attendees at the fun day were delighted with the good weather and atmosphere. Staff and elected members were able to deepen connections and understanding with Bromley’s children, parents, and carers while Bromley’s children socialised with others who have had similar experiences to themselves.
An auction of photographs taken by the young people themselves, each depicting a person who had made a real difference to their lives, raised money for a fund set up by Bromley Living in Care Council to provide small gifts, such as special soaps, toiletries and decorative items for their new homes when young people leave care.
To learn more about social care in Bromley and support available for children, parents, and carers, visit: www.linkinbromley.co.uk/
If you would like to volunteer some of your time to befriend a child in care and act as a good, stable role model for them from outside of the care system, Coram Voice are looking for Independent Visitors volunteers. To learn more about the service contact IVLondon@coramvoice.org.uk or call 020 7833 5792.
ENDS
• For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in Corporate Communications, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk