Dorset Council has created a Christmas display to increase awareness about the need for additional foster carers in the region.
As part of the project, Weymouth Esplanade was decorated last Thursday with 471 Christmas stockings handcrafted by members of the community, with each piece being emblematic of a child in care in Dorset.
Among those who participated in the ‘471 reasons to care’ initiative were foster carers, children in care, schools, and youth and community organisations.
According to the council, the display is a development of the local authority’s Give the Greatest Gift campaign, designed to outline the importance of fostering and inspire more people to become carers.
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said: ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from our community. Every stocking tells a story of care and compassion, and together they send a clear message: every child deserves to feel safe and supported, not just at Christmas, but all year round.
‘Our hope is that the display will spark conversation and encourage more people to consider fostering.’
Dorset Council foster carer, Chris Smart, said: ‘Christmas reminds us how important family and belonging are. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to take that first step. You could change a child’s life – and yours – forever.’
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