Next week, St Mary’s Lighthouse will shine blue as part of the ‘National Light Up’ campaign for National Care Leavers Month.
On Monday 24 November, St Mary’s will join landmarks across the UK, including the London Eye and Blackpool Tower, in a show of support for the care-experienced community.
But while the blue lights celebrate care leavers, they also draw attention to the growing and urgent issue that is the national shortage of foster carers.
Across the region, vulnerable children need safe and loving homes, yet the number of people coming forward to foster is falling short.
Nationally, applications to foster have dropped by 18% since 2018 while the number of children entering care has risen by 7%, leaving the UK short of an estimated 6,000 foster carers.
Without stable placements, young people risk being separated from siblings, moved far from their home communities and facing a tougher path into adulthood - impacting everything from education and employment to mental health and wellbeing.
Foster carers Lisa and Stephen have been short-break and emergency fostering for six years. Stephen, 70, said: “We love what we do and have not looked back. We are still working full-time and have time to enjoy our leisurely pursuits.
For anyone who’s been thinking about fostering, just do it! It’s so rewarding and there’s no contract. Age is no barrier and you don’t need any particular skills, just a loving home that you can offer a child. In return you’ll get plenty of support and opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.”
Cllr Peter Earley, Cabinet Member responsible for Supporting and Protecting Children, said: “Lighting up St Mary’s Lighthouse is a symbol of our pride for care leavers in the Borough and a call for more people to consider fostering. Our foster carers change lives every single day. We urgently need more local people to join them.”
Foster carers in North Tyneside are supported from the moment they start, with a responsive fostering team, ongoing training and a strong financial package.
Flexible roles are available from full-time fostering to short-break and emergency care, so people can choose an option that fits their lifestyle and availability.
Anyone with space in their home and the ability to offer care, support and commitment is encouraged to get in touch by emailing fostering@northtyneside.gov.uk or calling Foster with North East on 0800 917 7771.