We're a ‘foster-friendly’ business

YMCA Humber is proud to join other key organisations across the borough as a member of North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Foster Friendly’ business scheme.

Foster carers provide homes for vulnerable children and young people, and many of these young people need support whilst they adjust to their new environments. This can require additional help from foster carers, and those with jobs may find it difficult if employers are unaware of the additional care young people may need during these traumatic times.

As part of this amazing local initiative, YMCA Humber will support employees who are foster carers, or those who may wish to become a foster carer in the future, by offering benefits to staff including additional annual leave for appointments and training.

Kate Conway, Chief Executive at YMCA Humber, said: “As a local community led organisation, we are committed to supporting foster carers as it is important that this vital role is recognised and encouraged across the local area, and by supporting our staff who are existing foster carers and promoting the role to others we hope we can help build on the extra fostering households needed in Grimsby for the children who need them the most.”

Ann-Marie Matson, the director of Children’s Services for North East Lincolnshire Council, welcomed Kate and the organisation to the scheme; “The YMCA are such an integral part of the community, and it is fantastic that they have chosen to join us as a foster friendly business. They join over 100 local businesses and schools that have committed to supporting the children and young people in our area that need it most, we are grateful to all of them for making this pledge and look forward to working with them in the future.”

There’s a national shortage of 7,200 fostering households, and North East Lincolnshire is no exception. The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life, and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to enquire.

If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with your local fostering service to find out more.