Foster Care Fortnight 2026 was celebrated across the East Midlands from 11 to 24 May with a series of events bringing together foster carers, children and young people, families, local authority teams, and the fostering community. The celebrations highlighted the vital role foster carers play in providing safe, loving and stable homes, and recognised the achievements, resilience and experiences of children and families involved in fostering.
Under the national campaign Foster Care Fortnight 2026, led by the Fostering Network, a wide range of events took place across the region to celebrate foster care, strengthen connections, and show appreciation for the fostering community.
Alongside the celebrations, Foster for East Midlands Councils, the regional fostering recruitment service for the East Midlands, delivered seven fostering information events in person and online during Foster Care Fortnight. The events provided opportunities for prospective foster carers to find out more about fostering, hear from experienced foster carers and learn about the support available through local authority fostering services.
The celebrations included Nottinghamshire Fostering’s Got Talent, where children and young people in care showcased their creativity, confidence and skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. The event highlighted the importance of opportunities that help young people grow and thrive.
Foster families in Derbyshire were recognised at the Derbyshire Believes in Me Awards, held at County Hall. This event celebrated the dedication, commitment and positive difference made by foster carers and their families across the county.
A coffee morning in Nottinghamshire brought together Mockingbird foster carers, the council leader and cabinet member, providing an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen connections, and celebrate the support offered through the Mockingbird fostering model.
Foster children and families also enjoyed cinema screenings at Showcase Cinema De Lux in Nottingham and Derby, giving families across the region a chance to relax, come together, and enjoy shared experiences in a welcoming and supportive setting.
A key highlight of the fortnight was the Foster Care Family Fun Day at South Normanton Post Mill, which brought together families from across all four local authorities. Families came along and got involved in a wide range of activities designed for all ages, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Activities included a bouncy castle, bubble man, sports activities, music, dance, martial arts displays, soft play areas, arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, graffiti art, and many more interactive stalls and experiences. The event gave children, young people, foster carers and families the chance to relax, have fun, and connect with others in the fostering community. It was a true celebration of fostering, bringing people together across the four local authorities in a shared space of joy and support.
The day also included a special moment where Cabinet Members from Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council came together to present a joint pledge of support for fostering. In addition, the Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, sent a written pledge of support, recognising the importance of fostering and the commitment of local authorities and carers across the region.
Further celebrations included a Summer Picnic hosted by Nottingham City Council, where foster families came together in a relaxed outdoor setting to spend time together and strengthen community connections.
In Derby City, a special foster carer celebration was held at Kedleston Road Training Centre the previous month to thank foster carers who have supported children through to adoption, bringing carers together for an afternoon of appreciation and recognition. The event included afternoon tea and guest speakers, along with the presentation of thank you cards and gifts to carers.
These events bring together our fostering communities, demonstrating that as a local authority we value our foster carers and the amazing work they do every day throughout the year, alongside the vital role they play in supporting local children and young people.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, said:
Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to celebrate the incredible commitment of our foster carers, and the strength and achievements of the children and families they support. Each of these events shows what fostering is really about – care, connection, giving children stability and the best possible start in life. This is fostering.
For more information about fostering in the East Midlands or to find out how to become a foster carer, please visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or call 03033 132 950.