This past weekend, Lighthouse Fostering enjoyed a wonderful day at the Little Common School Summer Fete. Under sunny skies, our team connected with families, shared stories about fostering, and celebrated the strong sense of community that makes East Sussex such a special place to live and raise children.
Community events like this fete embody what we value at Lighthouse Fostering – bringing people together, supporting local causes, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections. It was heartwarming to see families enjoying the festivities while learning how fostering can change a child’s life.
Connecting with Our Local Community
Mary Vincent, a dedicated team member, spent the day at our stand welcoming visitors and sharing insights about fostering in East Sussex. The thoughtful questions and interest from the community reinforced our belief that many local families are ready to provide loving homes for children in need.
Mary had countless conversations with people from all walks of life. Some were longtime supporters curious about Lighthouse Fostering's approach, while others wanted to learn what fostering actually involves.
"The response was incredibly positive," Mary reflected. "Many people were interested in fostering and had questions or misconceptions we were able to address. Several expressed serious interest in taking the next step."
Breaking Down Barriers
Events like this fete allow for relaxed, genuine conversations about fostering. Families can ask questions in a pressure-free environment, away from the formality of office appointments.
Mary spent much of the day addressing myths about fostering. Visitors were surprised to learn about the support and training Lighthouse Fostering provides and reassured that fostering doesn’t require special qualifications—just love, commitment, and a desire to make a difference.
The variety of fostering options also sparked interest. Many people didn’t realise fostering includes options like respite care, emergency placements, and sibling group care, allowing flexibility to suit different family circumstances.
"I didn’t know there were so many types of fostering," commented one mother. "Learning about respite care and short-term placements makes me think this could work for our family."
The Power of Local Presence
Being part of community events like the Little Common School Summer Fete shows Lighthouse Fostering’s commitment to East Sussex. We’re not just a service provider—we’re part of the community, with local knowledge that helps us support families and children effectively.
This local understanding makes a real difference. We know the schools children attend, local healthcare services, and community resources that families rely on. Families value working with an agency that’s truly connected to their area.
The fete also showcased the positive impact of fostering. Several of our foster families attended, not in an official capacity but simply enjoying the day with their children. Seeing these thriving families reinforced the message that fostering creates positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Fostering as Community Investment
Fostering is a powerful way to invest in the community. When families open their homes to children in need, they create a ripple effect of positive change. Children in stable, loving foster homes thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally, benefiting not only the child but the community as a whole.
Mary saw this community spirit throughout the day, as many visitors expressed pride in East Sussex’s supportive, caring atmosphere. This mutual support is at the heart of successful fostering.
The East Sussex Advantage
East Sussex offers unique benefits for fostering families. Families here enjoy coastal living, good schools, and strong community networks that help both foster children and carers thrive. Whether in a busy town or a quieter rural area, children can be matched with families and settings that suit their needs.
Local services in East Sussex, including schools and healthcare providers, are experienced in supporting foster children, while community organisations actively welcome fostering families. These resources make East Sussex an excellent place to foster.
Building Momentum for Change
The enthusiasm at the Little Common School Summer Fete reflects a growing awareness of fostering’s importance. More families are recognising that fostering can make a meaningful difference while enriching their own lives.
This increased understanding is crucial as demand for foster carers continues to grow. Many families Mary spoke with asked thoughtful questions about trauma-informed care, therapeutic approaches, and managing challenges, showing a deeper awareness of what fostering involves.
Taking the Next Steps
For families who spoke to Mary at the fete, the next step is simple—get in touch for an informal chat about fostering. Our team offers detailed information about the process, training, and support we provide, helping families decide if fostering is the right fit.
Even if you missed the fete, it’s never too late to explore fostering opportunities. Visit our website to learn more about the different types of fostering, the support we offer, and real stories from foster carers about their experiences.
Community Events Make a Difference
The success of our participation in the fete highlights the value of face-to-face conversations. These events show that fostering families are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and allow families to make informed decisions in a relaxed setting.
We’re so grateful to Little Common School for hosting us and to all the families who stopped by to learn about fostering. Events like this strengthen connections between fostering agencies and the communities we serve, ultimately benefiting the children who need us most.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the Little Common School Summer Fete, we’re energised by the interest shown by so many local families. Every conversation Mary had represents potential positive change in a child’s life.
The summer fete season offers more opportunities to connect with the community, and we’re excited to participate in upcoming events across East Sussex. Each is a chance to share our passion for fostering and learn more about the families we serve.
If you’re inspired to learn more about fostering, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you spoke with Mary at the fete or are discovering us for the first time, we’re here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
Together, we can continue building stronger communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The fantastic response at Little Common School shows that East Sussex is full of caring families ready to make a difference—one child, one family, one community at a time.