Residents encouraged to step up to the challenge during Foster Care Fortnight
Residents across St Helens Borough are being encouraged to get active and make a difference this May by taking part in a new community challenge in support of Foster Care Fortnight - the UK's largest fostering awareness campaign.
Article date: 12 May 2025
Running from 12-25 May, Foster Care Fortnight shines a spotlight on the incredible work of foster carers and the urgent need for more people to step forward and support vulnerable children. This year, St Helens Borough Council is launching the Step for Change Challenge, asking individuals and families to collectively cover 442 kilometres - representing the 442 children and young people currently in the council's care.
Participants can choose to walk, run, cycle, or swim their way through the distance, either solo or as part of a group, over the two-week period.
The initiative not only aims to raise awareness of the vital role of foster carers, but also hopes to raise funds for Become, a national charity that supports children in care and young care leavers.
Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, is among the first to sign up for the challenge as part of Team Foster4 St Helens, made up of fellow councillors and council staff.
"We're proud to support Foster Care Fortnight every year, but this year we're asking our community to go a step further - quite literally," said Councillor Charlton. "With 442 children in our care and 178 registered foster carers with us, the need for more foster carers has never been greater. The Step for Change Challenge is a meaningful way for residents to show support, start conversations, and contribute to a brighter future for young people."
All funds raised will go directly to Become to support their work advocating for and empowering children in care.
Residents can share their journeys online by visiting https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FN43MV/
To donate to Foster4 St Helens' Step for Change Challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/foster-4-sthelens
Take the first step towards becoming a foster carer in St Helens Borough today by visiting fostering.sthelens.gov.uk, calling 0345646009 or emailing Enquiry@foster4.co.uk
ENDS
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