Messages of love from children in care shine at Cathedral tree festival

Worcestershire County Council's fostering service is proudly showcasing a beautifully decorated tree that shares handmade decorations with heartfelt thoughts of children and young people growing up in foster families.

Decorating a Christmas tree is a simple tradition that brings joy, warmth, and togetherness - something every child deserves to experience. This year, decorations were created by children and young people, each one responding to the question: "What I love about my foster family."

The answers they wrote are simple but powerful reminders of the impact foster families make every day:

• Love of course
• I love my family
• Calming
• Belong
• Fitting in
• Safety
• Included
• Promises
• Doing tidying up with my family

At this time of year, when families come together, Worcestershire Fostering is asking the community to pause and consider an important question: Could you provide traditions and memories for a child who needs a home? Could you make room for one more at your table?

Cllr Justin Bowen, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children and Families said: "This tree shows why Worcestershire Fostering matters, and these messages show the difference that a safe, loving home brings. The children have done a wonderful job expressing their feelings through the tree, and I hope it inspires visitors to think about the role they could play in offering a child the warmth and security of family life."

If you've ever wondered about fostering, now is a meaningful time to explore the idea. Your New Year's resolution could change a child's life and enrich your own.

Worcestershire Fostering would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Top Barn Farm, who have generously donated the tree again this year, helping to share these important messages with the community.

For more information about fostering in Worcestershire, please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/fostering