Foster carers and professionals in Reading marked Black History Month with a wellbeing event.
The event, organised by Brighter Futures for Children's independent fostering agency (IFA), aimed to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of the black community.
It featured a series of presentations, workshops, and activities.
The not-for-profit IFA is the only one in Reading, offering short and long-term, emergency, and parent and child placements.
At the event, Dr Evas Mbire-Chigumba, an educational psychologist at Brighter Futures for Children, shared insights from her doctoral thesis on culturally responsive practices.
Amanda Mavunga, clinical lead for the Mental Health Support Team and CAMHS in GP Primary Care, also provided a valuable overview of available mental health services and pathways.
In the afternoon, there was an arts and crafts workshop for children, followed by a dinner of Ethiopian and Indian cuisine, with music provided by Julia Titus.
Di Smith, board chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: "Our foster carers make an enormous difference to children’s lives and create many happy moments for them, so events like this, which focus on mental health and wellbeing of these incredible individuals, are so important.
"Black History Month is a time to learn, reflect, listen and celebrate, and this event did just that for all of the foster carers and professionals who attended."
Councillor Wendy Griffith, lead councillor for children, said: "It was a pleasure to be a part of the first Brighter Futures for Children Black History Month event for foster carers and children looked after.
"We were shown the new ‘Fostering is Everything’ film created to recruit more foster carers, and it brings a tear to the eye.
"Both presentations were energising and thought-provoking, Tutu’s delicious food did not disappoint and Julia’s musical entertainment while we ate was wonderful.
"Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of this event."
A new film, created with input from more than 100 councils, was also unveiled at the event.
The film, titled 'Everything', aims to emphasise the impact that fostering can have on everyone involved.
It follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults.
A surprise 60th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything.
The film is now available to view on YouTube.
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