Foster Portsmouth Santa is launching a festive decathlon this December to highlight the need for more local foster carers. Santa will complete ten challenges at community venues across the city to celebrate foster carers’ dedication.
The campaign sees Santa tackling ice-skating, skateboarding, sea swimming, cycling and more at beloved Portsmouth locations. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Portsmouth City Council’s fostering service and the urgent requirement for additional carers in the area.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, emphasised the pressing need: “We urgently need more foster carers to support Portsmouth’s children and young people. Anyone over 21 with a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth. Our carers represent all backgrounds but share one goal—making a positive difference to a child’s life.”
The Foster Portsmouth Santa decathlon includes these locations:
- Southsea Skate Park, Southsea
- Pitt Street Skate Park, Commercial Road
- Portsmouth Ice Rink, Guildhall Square
- Spark Community Space, Fratton
- BH Live Mountbatten, North End
- Casemates Studio, Hilsea Lines
- Pure Ground Community Café at Milton Village Hall
- Portsmouth Museum, Museum Road
- The John Pounds Centre, Portsea
- The Canteen, Southsea
John Hillage, an experienced social worker from Foster Portsmouth’s recruitment team, will complete additional activities including roller skating, running, walking and climbing. He said: “I’m excited to spread festive cheer whilst celebrating our incredible carers. Inspiring more people to join our fostering community will help more young people find loving homes.”
Santa will leave festive goodie bags at each venue containing treats and fostering information. The public can collect bags on Friday 5 December on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campaign encourages Portsmouth residents to consider fostering and providing local children with safe, loving homes. Follow Santa’s progress at www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/news or Facebook @FosterPortsmouth.
For enquiries or one-to-one consultations with Foster Portsmouth’s team, call 023 9283 4071 or email fostering@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
