Lutheran Care’s Foster Care Peer Connection Program offered a variety of opportunities for foster carers to meet and connect with other carers recently, giving them the chance to spend quality time with one another and build on previously established relationships.
Throughout July to September, events included a pottery making session, terrarium creations, dads’ group, mums and tween girls’ cooking class, Monarto Zoo family fun days, Families Caring for Kids with FASD connect and the coveted Be the Village footy tipping competition lunch.
Over 200 individuals attended these events, connecting over pottery wheels, plants, a lunch time meal and their shared dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for a child or young person in care.
Here’s what a Lutheran Care Foster Carer had to say about one of the events:
“In my opinion, this was the best and most well executed Lutheran Care event that we have attended. It was beautifully facilitated, well-staffed and clear that the organisation went to a lot of effort for this to be successful. Well done Lutheran Care for facilitating and organising an enriching experience for children while creating meaningful memories to be cherished forever.”
Another Foster Carer wrote: “It was great to be included and given the opportunity to connect with other carers. I loved that it was very relaxed and causal environment.”
The Foster Care Peer Connection Program was created as an initiative driven by carers for carers.
Lutheran Care organises peer connection events based off carer feedback and recommendations.
Peer connections are focused on carers and their wellbeing, where having a break from their life commitments and connection is the priority. Occasionally, these connections are targeted at specific groups so foster carers can connect with others on a similar journey.
Some groups that have been established include a Dads’ Group, Rainbow Families, Carers with Deaf and Non Verbal Kids, Families Caring for Kids with FASD and more!
Interested in becoming a foster carer? Whether it’s providing respite or full-time care, there are opportunities for everyone to give a little of your world and change a child or young person’s life.
To learn more about fostering with Lutheran Care, find out more here.