The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Foster Care Team hosted a Care Day gathering at Laganvale Farm in Lisburn on a Friday afternoon. Foster carers brought toddlers and young children to the farm's soft play area for organised activities.

Trust Chairman Jonathan Patton attended the event. He thanked the foster carers for their dedication in offering care and stability to children. Patton called on families, couples and single individuals to consider becoming foster carers.

Foster carer Joanne Clokey has provided fostering for just over a year. She highlighted the support received from the Foster Care Team.

Principal Social Worker Bridie Rainey thanked farm owners Nadine and Ian Gilmore for hosting the gathering. Head of Service for Cared for Children Claire Fulton noted the strong attendance and stated that the Trust supplies training and ongoing support to potential foster carers.

Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care Trusts oversee fostering services to address persistent shortages in placements for children needing homes.