Sailing activities organised for Seftonâs fostering households were underway as families came together for a fun day at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre.
Children and young people, their foster carers and the children of foster carers took the helm as they enjoyed riding electric and sailing boats.
The event is part of some collaborative work between Sefton Councilâs Fostering and Leisure Services. Working jointly means that Sefton has been able to improve their lifestyle offer for foster children and their carers. This includes free gym and golf membership for the whole fostering family.
James is a foster carer with Sefton and brought his family along to enjoy the sailing. James said: Â
âToday has been so good to get out in the fresh air and have some family time and catch up with other foster carers.
“The children have had a go at everything and have loved being out on the water. Itâs great because it brings us closer together and weâve never done anything like this before and itâs something we can all enjoy.â
Sefton Fostering Servicesâ Assistant Team Manager Tracy Millward said:
âWe want to show our carers and their families how much we appreciate them by putting on these great activities and events. Days like these bring foster families together and help to create those special memories.
âHere at Sefton Fostering we are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to give our carers and all the children they care for the chance to meet up with friends and meet new ones.
âIâd also like to say a big thank you to our Leisure Services who we have been working closely with. This work means foster children and their foster families can access Seftonâs leisure facilities for free and have the opportunity to try different experiences and possibly find new talents and interests, building confidence and self-esteem.
 Jeff Jones, Locality Manager for Sefton Councilâs Leisure Services said:
âWe are really pleased to be able to support the fostering service. Seeing the children and young people smiling and having so much fun is just brilliant.
âWe wanted to give them the chance to get out and enjoy themselves but also experience something they have never come across before.
âWeâre also delighted to be offering carers and children free passes to leisure facilities and really hope this will make a difference to the lives of our foster families.â
Anyone who is thinking about fostering can find out more by speaking to one of the team by calling the freephone number â 0800 923 2777
Or by visiting the dedicated website at https://seftonfostering.co.uk/Â
To find out more about Seftonâs Leisure offer please visit Sport & Leisure (sefton.gov.uk)