Businesses come together at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Fostering Friendly Pledge Marketplace Event

Foster carers from Northamptonshire Children’s Trust met businesses that have signed the Fostering Friendly Pledge at a marketplace event, where they could explore the support, discounts and offers available to them and connect with organisations committed to supporting the fostering community.  

The Fostering Friendly Pledge is an incentive where local businesses and organisations come together in support of children and young people in foster care and the families who open their homes to them. By offering discounts, benefits, or enhanced experiences, businesses can make a real difference in the everyday lives of foster carers and the children they care for. 

More than 60 businesses have now signed the Fostering Friendly Pledge, reflecting a growing community of organisations committed to celebrating the vital role foster carers play and supporting them and their families. The marketplace showcased this support in action, with a fantastic range of local businesses and organisations hosting stalls, including Lucky Chucks, Baby Basics, Padel Power, Iron Pit Woods Adventure, Browns Coffee Shop, First Floor Fitness, The County Toy Library, Baby Sensory, Grassroots Counselling, Together-A-Part, BB's Bouncy Castle Hire, The Pamper Studio, Dee-Stress Therapies, Little Voices, Northampton Party Kits, Makewell and Little City.  

Sam from Lucky Chucks said: “My mum, stepdad and nanny fostered when I was growing up, so fostering has always been a big part of my life and something that means a lot to me. I know how much foster carers give to the children they care for, so it’s great to now be in a position where I can give something back too. 

“It was brilliant meeting everyone at the marketplace, giving families a taste of what we do at Lucky Chucks and donating a gaming experience for the raffle. We’re really proud to be part of the Fostering Friendly Pledge and support our local fostering community.” 

The marketplace gave businesses the opportunity to meet foster carers face-to-face, build connections and learn more about the difference their support can make. Businesses also offered taster experiences, giving foster families the chance to enjoy some of the activities and services available through the pledge. 

There was plenty to celebrate throughout the event, with foster carers winning a range of raffle prizes donated by supporters, including a signed Northampton Saints top, a gaming experience for up to eight people, massage vouchers and more. 

Colin Foster, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust said: “It was fantastic to see so many of our foster carers and local businesses coming together for the marketplace event. The Fostering Friendly Pledge is all about creating a community around our carers and showing them that local organisations recognise and value everything they do. 

“Seeing so many of the businesses engaging directly with our carers really brought the pledge to life and showed what can be achieved when our local community comes together to support fostering families.” 

The Fostering Friendly Pledge continues to grow, with businesses and organisations across the area encouraged to get involved and demonstrate their support for local foster carers and the children and young people they care for. If you are interested in joining the pledge or would like to know more please visit: Fostering Friendly Pledge | Northampton Children's Trust