7 minute read
Local Foster Carers
from SE22 March 2020
by SE Magazines
Last year 75% of newly registered foster carers in Southwark identified as women. The continued dedication and commitment of local foster carers enables us to provide loving stable homes for young people in the communities they were raised.
One local foster carer, Francine Borg, has agreed to share her experiences of fostering for Southwark Council. Francine was inspired to become a foster carer by her own mother who was a foster carer. After having her own children Francine decided that she was ready to start her journey and has been fostering for nearly 27 years. International Women’s Day & Local Foster Carers
Do you remember the first child you looked after? Yes, he was a new-born baby straight from the hospital; he only stayed with me for a few weeks before he went to live with a maternal auntie. I was so excited discussions had been occurring for a while so I knew what was in the pipeline. I knew from the outset that it wasn’t going to be a long placement and actually that was quite nice. Over the years you learn that the longer children are with you the harder the goodbye is. Can you explain why despite the above you provide long-term fostering placements? The longer a placement lasts the more secure the young person feels, they are able to develop a deeper bond and they trust you to help them. Apart from developing a strong bond I also get to see the children grow and witness their successes. Some long term placements continue to visit as adults, it’s a life time relationship; you eventually get to see them start their family and you meet their partners and their children. I recently cared for a child pre-adoption and receiving updates from her parents and seeing her settled in a happy forever family is worth the hard goodbye. When things are tough you find a way through by talking and seeking support, especially from the supervising social workers. I’ve had some great supervising workers, so thanks Southwark for that.
Can you tell us about providing care for siblings? I like to take on sibling groups because these children have shared experiences and are usually a comfort to each other; at first they will often find talking to each other easier than talking to me. These children have lived together from birth and have shared experiences, so I think it’s important to keep siblings together whenever possible. In my experience children settled better in sibling groups as they are a comfort to each other.
Is there anything you would like to add that I haven’t asked? If you are thinking about fostering just ring up and enquire! You have nothing to lose by finding out more and a whole lot to gain.
We would like to take the time to celebrate and thank all of our Foster Carers and encourage anyone who wants to know more to contact Southwark Council Fostering Recruitment Team: 0800 952 0707 / fostering@southwark.gov.uk
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www.horniman.ac.uk | 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs Until 1 November
Image courtesy of Gondwana Studios.Image courtesy of Gondwana Studios.
252 million years ago, in a period called the Permian, life on Earth was dominated by extraordinary creatures. It was a time of fearsome sabre-toothed predators, giant insects and bizarre-looking sharks. The Permian ended with a mass extinction that destroyed 90% of all life, paving the way for the Earth’s next great rulers… the dinosaurs.
Tickets*: Child £5, Adult £9, Family (up to two adults and two children) £20. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. *Prices include a voluntary Gift Aid donation which helps support the work of the Horniman. Stages of Making Until 19 April Step into this immersive exhibition in The Studio where all the artworks have a story to tell about design, techniques and time. Inspired by the history of the Horniman and its collections, Stages of Making is produced by a collective of local community members working with artist Katie Schwab. Works include painted walls, table tops made from yoghurt pots and a giant rag-rug created from used t-shirts by members of the public. Visitors can join in daily making activities to contribute to a live archive or book for one of the special workshops. See the website for more details. FREE.
Special Events Climate Crisis: Speculative Futures Thursday 5 March, 6.30-10pm Join us for a night of interactive experiences created by students from Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts in response to the global climate crisis. With interventions and activities taking place across the Museum and Gardens aimed at inspiring speculation and dialogue, this event will showcase creative ideas for a just transition to a post-carbon society designed and produced by students from across art, design and performance. £7.50. 18+ ONLY. Crossing Borders Common Ground Saturday 21 March, 11am – 3.30pm See the Horniman through new eyes! Come along to this exciting event where all performances, activities and workshops are run by people who have recently arrived in south east London. Meet your new neighbours and celebrate the diversity of Forest Hill and our local area. FREE. BSL Storytelling: A World of Stories 29 March, 2-2.45pm and 3.15-4pm Enjoy tales from around the world, presented by our deaf storyteller and signed in BSL. Stories will be interpreted into spoken English so that any hearing family members can come along and enjoy the sessions too. Suitable for families with children aged 5+. Please check the website for further details. FREE. Regular Events Stay in Tune Thursdays Every Thursday (except during school holidays), 2–5.15pm On Thursday afternoons during term time the Horniman becomes an age-friendly space for adults to socialise and enjoy hands-on music sessions, concerts, tours and more. There is extra seating and a more relaxed grown-up atmosphere across the Museum, plus a special offer in the Café. For more information, please contact the Community Engagement team at communitylearning@horniman.ac.uk. FREE.
Please see the website for information on regular and family events including the Horniman Farmers’ Market, Library Open Day, Hear it Live! performances, A World of Stories, Art Makers and Horniman Explorers. www.horniman.ac.uk
Hear it Live! Every Thursday, 3.30-4pm Join us in the Music Gallery every week for concerts featuring our early keyboard instruments from the 17th to 19th centuries. Upcoming performers include Dušan Toroman (square piano), Masumi Yamamoto (virginals) and Callum Anderson (organ). FREE. Curiosity Talks Tuesdays 4pm and Saturdays 11.30am Enjoy talks on a range of fascinating objects and topics, delivered by our Visitor Hosts. FREE. Welcome to the Horniman Tours Wednesdays and Saturdays 4pm, Sundays 11.30am Our Visitor Hosts provide a short introduction to the Horniman on these informal tours. FREE.
Horniman Market Every Sunday, 10am–3pm
Visit our weekly market to enjoy a range of delicious hot food, pick up fresh and seasonal produce from local traders, and treat yourself to irresistible cakes and craft beer. Located in our glorious Gardens you will also find regular guest traders specialising in everything from natural bodycare to homemade jams. In addition, special markets will take place throughout the year. FREE. Library Open Day First Sunday of each month, 10.30am-5.30pm Browse our library collections and see some of the library treasures. FREE.
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East Dulwich Community Centre & Barry Area Resident Associations
GIVE & TAKE EVENT
SATURDAY 4th April 2020 11am -2.30pm A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT PROMOTING REUSE & RECYCLING @East Dulwich Community Centre 46-50 Darrell Road SE22 9NL
Bring items: 11-1pm ONLY on DAY OF EVENT. Take items: 11-2.30pm. BRING unwanted items in good condition and easy for someone else to carry home. TAKE away things you need. Typical items include CD’s DVD’s, books, small electrical items, buggies, bikes, lamps, plants and kitchenware. NO PAINT OR FOOD. We reserve the right not to accept items. Refreshments on sale. 0208 693 4411 | edcc2010@gmail.com
