Train operator Northern has temporarily changed the name of Bradford Forster Square station to Bradford Foster Square to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight.
Signage bearing the new name will be on display at the station for the next two weeks to mark the event, which runs from 15th – 28th May, and is an annual campaign to inspire more people to consider fostering.
To further mark the occasion, Northern is running an event at the station alongside Bradford children & families trust to thank current foster carers and provide a fun day out for children in care with food and entertainment.
Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said: “Foster carers do an incredible job in providing children and young people with the support and stability they need to thrive. We’re proud to support Foster Care Fortnight and raise awareness of the need for more foster carers to come forward.”
In Bradford there are currently 1586 children currently in care. Bradford children & families trust needs to recruit at least 45 foster carers every year in order to meet the needs of each child; achieve the best possible outcomes and keep children local.
Charlotte Ramsden, chief executive of Bradford children & families trust, said: “We’re 100% committed to meeting the needs of children and young people in the Bradford district. Our foster families are at the heart of the care we provide for our most vulnerable children, so we are pleased to be working with Northern on this project to promote fostering in Bradford and provide a fun day out for our fostering families. We are very grateful for the difference they make in the lives of so many children.”
This Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to find out about children who need foster families, and what it means to be a foster carer, so we encourage anyone who is interested in fostering to get in touch.”
On Sunday 21 May, Northern’s new summer timetable comes into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel. For more information, visit: www.northernrailway.co.uk/timetablechange
Photo credit: Northern
