Over 100 foster carers and young people who have been in care attended the Brighton game on Tuesday to raise awareness of fostering services in the community.

Brighton and Hove Albion has promoted fostering in and around the city, with posters displayed around the Amex stadium and on the big screen.

The Crawley match programme had an article about fostering in Brighton and Hove and a half-time pitch-side interview was held with Mark Hendon, a foster carer from the city, alongside Kelly Wilkes, head of fostering for West Sussex County Council. 

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The aim was to use the reach of the football players and fans to raise awareness about the urgent need for more foster carers in the area and the vital role these foster carers play in the community.

More information about fostering in Brighton and the surrounding areas can be found at https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/fostering-brighton-hove.

Councillor Emma Daniel, cabinet member for children, families and youth services at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Brighton and Hove Albion for their invaluable support which has helped us raise awareness of local fostering services to an enormous audience.

“Foster carers provide our city’s most vulnerable children and young people with the care and support they need, helping to build their confidence and make them feel safe and secure in a loving and stable home. 

“We're always looking to grow our network of foster carers, so we hope that this collaboration will encourage more people to consider joining our fostering community to make a difference to the lives of local young people.” 

Richard Valder-Davis, Brighton and Hove Albion’s head of safeguarding and academy player care, said: “It was great to welcome so many people from the foster care service to raise awareness of the important work they do and the urgent need to find more foster carers for the local community. 

“I would urge any of our supporters who are interested to get in touch with the foster care service.”