Why Sunderland landmarks will be brightly lit up for two nights in May

Treasured city landmarks will be lit up in magenta and blue to promote the call for more foster carers.
Penshaw Monument is one of a number of landmarks across Sunderland to be lit up brightly on May 11 and May 24 to mark Foster Care Fortnight.Penshaw Monument is one of a number of landmarks across Sunderland to be lit up brightly on May 11 and May 24 to mark Foster Care Fortnight.
Penshaw Monument is one of a number of landmarks across Sunderland to be lit up brightly on May 11 and May 24 to mark Foster Care Fortnight.

Foster Care Fortnight takes place nationwide from May 11-24 with Together for Children, which recruits carers for children in Sunderland, securing the backing of a host of locations across the city.

Penshaw Monument, the Northern Spire bridge, Keel Square, High Street West, Fulwell Mill and the Cliffe Park Lighthouse will be lit up in the organisation’s magenta and blue colours on Monday, May 11, and Sunday, May 24, to mark the start and end of the fortnight.

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Mick Wilkes, general manager at The National Trust, which maintains Penshaw Monument, said: “We are pleased to support this campaign, both to bring recognition to foster care and to help recruit new carers.”

Together for Children, which works on behalf of Sunderland City Council to deliver children’s services and is also seeking people to adopt children, supports around 200 foster carers and is currently hoping to recruit around 20 new foster carers within the next 12 months.

The organisation is particularly looking for people to foster older children and sibling groups.

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The role offers a financial support package of up to £34,320 plus allowances per year.

Weekly payments are designed to cover the basic needs of a child or children and take into account transport, clothing, food, personal and household items.

Expert social worker support and online help is also provided.

Kathryn McCabe, strategic service manager at Together for Children, said: “Our foster carers come from all walks of life: married, cohabiting, single and same sex couples and they provide a real sense of family and belonging to vulnerable children and young people.”

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“In response to covid-19 we are placing children and young people with respite foster carers and we are holding fostering information sessions via video conferencing where those interested in becoming foster carers can ask any questions they may have.”

There are few restrictions to becoming a foster carer although carers must undergo a thorough assessment.

Further details are available by visiting www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/familes/foster-care or by calling (0191) 5612223.

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