Welcome to your monthly news update from the Hampshire Fostering Network.

HFN e-news for foster carers Join Our Facebook Group Website: hfnyourvoice.org

May 2015

River Itchen, Ovington.

Welcome to HFN’s monthly e-newsletter for foster carers – keeping you up to date with the latest developments in Hampshire and wider news from the Fostering Network and the world of foster care.

The Hampshire Fostering Network meet on the Second Thursday of every month. **The venue has temporarily changed to:

Glen House, Glen Rd, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 7HD. 7.30 to 9.00pm

In this month's e-news 

HFN News:

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HFN Big Event

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HFN Charitable Status – Help needed! HFN: Situations Vacant. HMRC Webinar Sexting – New Guide Available Finance : Payment issues? Hampshire Children’s Services Update (not available this month) Support Group News

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National News from the Fostering Network (To open most of the links highlighted in blue in the sections below, press ‘Ctrl’ and left click on your mouse buttons. Otherwise, simply cut and paste the link into your browser.)

Join Our Facebook Group: Just copy and paste this link into your browser, sign into Facebook (if not already) and click the ‘Join Group’ button for access to the HFN online forum for Hampshire foster carers!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/606563089476602/

Are you registered? June 3rd- the BIG Event! (And it’s free for Hampshire foster carers.) Last chance to book! Where do you get internationally renowned speakers, thought provoking workshops plus a ‘Market Stall’ full of up to the minute advice and information to give you the cutting edge as a foster carers? London? Manchester? Edinburgh?

No. This cutting edge conference is happening in Hampshire –Winchester, to be exact, and what’s more it’s run by Hampshire foster carers for Hampshire foster carers. Oh, and the cost? Well, for Hampshire’s carers there is no charge. Nil. Nada. Free. Gratis! With contributors including Judy Sebba from the Rees Centre for Fostering Research, University of Oxford and other contributors such as the national Fostering Network, HFN, (who will be offering advice to foster carers around taxation and annual tax returns), various Hampshire CDS departments including the Placement Commissioning Team, Recruitment, the Care Ambassadors and many others you’d be mad to miss it! Be there! West Downs Campus, University of Winchester. Doors open at 9.30, finishing at 2.00pm to allow for school runs. Tea, coffee, biscuits and lunch included!! Childcare facilities! Juggling Elephants! (Actually, that last one’s made up. Sorry.)

Numbers really are strictly limited and there’s only a few places left, so book now by Email: [email protected] **There is no parking at the event, so please use local car parks or the Winchester Park and Ride.** Park & Ride is by far the best way to get to the Big Event. There are 3 car park sites, St Catherine's and Barfield, located at East Winchester (off Junction 10 of the M3) and the all new South Winchester Site (off junction 11 of the M3). Choose the most convenient for you, park your car, pay at the meter and hop on one of the frequent buses that will take you to the Royal County Hospital which is right next to the venue. Daily car parking and bus travel costs just £3 for the whole car, up to 7 people!

HFN’s Charitable Status – Your Ideas Needed!! As you know, HFN achieved charitable status earlier this year, (Woohoo!) which is great because it now allows us to approach granting bodies for funding. Isn’t that wonderful!

Except it’s not. Because no-one will give us any money. ….Well, possibly not. Why? Well, because unless we can put together a package of ideas (and good business plans to support them), then being a charity is a bit like owning an aeroplane without also owning a pilot’s licence: Great for the ego and something to boast about to your friends, but you can’t fly it unless you know what you’re doing!

So this is where you come in! We want to know what you would like HFN to do this coming year, and so we’d like your ideas for projects and events. In order to comply with the terms of our charitable status, these must be events which benefit looked after children, foster carers, your own birth children or all of the above. Perhaps you like the idea of an educational or fun day out - perhaps a trip to a theatre or a theme park? Maybe it’s as simple as providing tea and biscuits for your support group? Whatever your idea, either big or small, please let us know by emailing your ideas to us here at HFN Towers: hampshire.fostering.network@gmail. com

All ideas will be read and considered. Don’t forget that it’s your HFN, and that your ideas can help make fostering in Hampshire better, easier and fun!

HFN Situations Vacant!! Vacancies on the HFN Committee. Can you help? HFN are still looking for willing volunteers for the following positions. Want to do something different?

How about helping develop the shape of fostering in Hampshire? HFN Treasurer: This position would ideally suit someone from an accountancy or book keeping background as HFN’s accounts, as a registered charity, need to be fully audited annually.

Web Site Manager: We are looking for a dynamic individual with experience and skills in web content management, writing and editing for the web, graphic design and site management.* The website content manager will be responsible developing the voice for all aspects of HFN’s online presence. In addition to writing, editing, and proofreading site content, this person will work with other members of the HFN committee to maintain site standards with regard to new development.*

Fostering Network Representative(s) One or two people required to act as liaison between HFN and the national Fostering Network. This will involve keeping up to date with the wider world of fostering, including areas including legislation changes, Fostering Network programmes, initiatives and lobbies etc. Help will be given for a period to ease you into the role.

*Both positions, which are committee member roles, will not involve much time on their own but will involve regular attendance at monthly HFN meetings, which are held on the second Thursday of each month, currently at Glen House. If you feel that this is something you are able to help with we’d be grateful to hear from you. Please reply to John Lewis (HFN Chairman) via [email protected]

HMRC free online seminars (webinars) in May for foster carers.

As published last month, there are webinars for May and some extra June dates. Use the links below to register. Alternatively, HFN are offering taxation help and advice at the Big Event on 3rd June. (Did we already mention that?) Tuesday 9 June Tuesday 30 June

11.00am to midday 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Foster Carers and HMRC Foster Carers and HMRC

After you have registered you will receive an email telling you how to join the webinar. These are really worth doing, if you’ve got the time, and most foster carers find them very useful and informative.

Don’t Forget: You must be registered as self-employed for taxation purposes with HMRC if you are a foster carer!

FINANCE ISSUES: HAVE YOU HAD ANY DIFFICULTIES? If you have had any problems with payments, then HFN want to hear about it. We are hoping to arranging a meeting with Amber James and Rachel Reynolds to look at the problems carers have been reporting on Facebook recently. If you’d like to add your voice to the others we will be representing, then let Lisa Hayes know via our website at hfnyourvoice.org or the HFN Facebook pages now!

Sexting: How young children deceive parents to share porn Do you understand the online jargon "PIR" and "POS"? A new guidebook gives adults a crash-course in textspeak in a bid to protect children dabbling in sex and porn. A new guidebook is offering parents a glimpse into the world of teenage textspeak in a bid to help prevent children getting into trouble for "sexting" or viewing illegal pornography. The internet safety guide helps adults decode the language of online technology, including some jargon used by children in a bid to evade parental scrutiny. The guide published by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation stresses the importance of parents familiarising themselves with the technology, apps and websites their children are using. “Sometimes young people – as we all recall from our childhoods – want to do things they don’t want their parents to know about,” said Tom Squire, from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. “The spirit of our jargon-busting guide is to give parents the confidence to engage with their children about these subjects and have a conversation with them. “Parents are always going to be behind the curve in the way children communicate online, but the key thing is that adults are able to ask young people about what they are doing.” The 32-page pamphlet, What’s the Problem, sets out how parents can warn children about the dangers of “sexting”, or sharing intimate images of themselves on the internet or smartphones. It also explains how it is illegal to look at pornography of underage children, even if the viewer is under 18. The guide even offers advice on what parents should do if their child is arrested for viewing child pornography. It stresses how young people can be at risk of grooming, peer pressure and coercion in relation to sex and nudity online, and suggests what parents can do to protect their children. The three–page section on internet terminology does not cover all the jargon currently used by young people to avoid parental oversight.

Some of the others include “KPC” for “keep parents clueless”, “PAL” for “parents are listening” and “RENTS” as slang for “parents”. Donald Findlater, director of research and development at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said: “This guide looks to help adults deal with some of the grittier issues facing parents today. “Alongside the great many benefits, to children and adults, presented by the internet and new technologies, there is also an array of risks and dangers to negotiate.

“Parents and carers need help in understanding those risks. They also need help in responding when something has gone wrong.” He added: “Feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment and anger must not stop us responding well, even when our child has behaved irresponsibly online. “How we deal with the situation today can have big implications for all their tomorrows.”

The booklet can also be accessed here: http://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/files/Parents%20Pack_Whats%20the%20problem_11 Mar2015.pdf (Source: The Daily Telegraph, 22 May 2015)

Key LAC health care professional retires. Chris Newman, the LAC nurse at Basingstoke hospital, is retiring after many years’ service to Hampshire’s looked after children. Her last day was on 14th May. Chris Newman has helped and supported so many carers over her years of service, and has been a much-loved and respected member of Hampshire’s fostering support professionals. Speaking to FC Beth McGinn earlier this month she said "All the foster carers do an amazing job and it has been a privilege working you all". A replacement is being arranged and should be in post shortly but in the meantime calls and emails will be picked up by Co - workers. I’m sure you’ll all join in wishing her a long, happy (and exciting) retirement!

Support Group News

We’re lucky in Hampshire in that we all have access to a local support group, which is not always the case with other local authorities. You might not feel you need support, but it’s suprising what a coffee and a natter can do to help put the world to rights with like minded people, and they are a great source of information!

If you are thinking about planning a small event for your group, don’t forget that foster carers can request assistance with funding for these from HFN. For more information contact John Lewis, Lisa Hayes or speak to any HFN committee member. The committee list can be found at the HFN website: hfnyourvoice.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LAURIE AND ETHEL’S COFFEE AND CAKESIMPORTANT CHANGE OF DETAILS! The fortnightly Coffee & Cake(s) SG in the Gosport area is shifting location for the summer! The informal, very friendly drop-in group (open to all) will continue to gather and chat every other Friday morning right through the summer. All foster carers are warmly welcomed to this very friendly, fortnightly gathering. It's a "drop-in-when-you-can" any time from 10 11:30am to share views amongst like-minded folk. Please contact Debs Hartwell (07906 027048 or [email protected]) to ensure you have the latest location and don't miss it!

Basingstoke Support Group

(Don’t miss the annual Basingstoke Kite Festival!)

THE ROGER MORRIS CENTRE, Eastrop Way, Basingstoke, RG21 4QE Plea for help – if anyone can arrive early at 9am to help with set up then I would be really grateful. I only need one or two volunteers so when someone kindly steps forward I will let you all know.

9.30-11.30am. Dates for your diary June 11th – Orla Hahessy, Catch22 – The Catch22 service and drugs information. July 9th - Stephanie Bradley, PCSO – An informal chat, an opportunity for you to ask questions and meet your local PCSO. Look forward to seeing you!

Kimberley Fontana Family Placement Support Worker. Tel mob – 07880 382943

Email: [email protected]

Ringwood Support Group

The Grey Friars Centre, 44 Christchurch road, Ringwood, BH24 1DW Ringwood Support Group runs on the first Friday of the month from 10.00am to 12.00 Contact Tarn Hewetson FPSW. 023 80 815407

TWYFORD SUPPORT GROUP For carers of Teenagers!

Monday 11th May 10am – 12.30pm at Northfields House, Twyford

Future dates for the year: 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September , 5th October , 2nd November, 7th December. Sarah Smith, Social Worker West Family Placement Team Tel: 01256 405982.

Alton Support Group

Bushy Leaze Childrens Centre, Eastbrooke Road Alton GU34 2DR Tel: 01420 87675

The next one is 12 June……

Further dates for this year and next! 10.07.15 11.09.15

09.10.15 13.11.15 11.12.15 22.01.16 15.04.16 13.05.16 10.06.16 08.07.16

12.02.16 18.03.16

There is no group in August given childcare issues and holidays. Running between 9.30-11.30 am. Any questions feel free to call Sam Horton on 07880382969.

Twyford Support Group Northfields, Twyford 7.00 to 9.00 pm The third Tuesday of every month. Join us for cuppa and a catch up. For more information contact Kat Roberts 02380 815410 or Natalie Pearce 01264387429.

Andover Support Group 4th Thursday of every month

The Wellington Centre, Winchester Road Andover SP10 2EG

Links Foster Carer Support Group Links Children's Centre, Linnet Close, Wecock Farm, Waterlooville, PO8 9UY 7.30 ‘till 9.00pm on the Last Thursday of Every Month. Led by Marion Larcom and Deb Farrell.

Gosport Support Group

Kent Road Family Centre, Gosport Every month on the fourth Tuesday 7.30pm ‘till 9.00pm

Led by: Angie McKinnon & Tracey Restall

Eastleigh carers support group No.1 High Street Totton Southampton SO409HL, 10:00- 12:00. Held in the Family Room at the Totton

hub on the last Thursday of every month. Led by Clare Gott & Veronica Scott-Andrews

National News from the Fostering Network. May e-news keeping you up to date on fostering

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Members' e-news for foster carers May 2015

Welcome to The Fostering Network's monthly e-newsletter for foster carers – keeping you up to date with the latest developments from The Fostering Network and the world of foster care.

Updates

Foster Care FortnightTM (1-14 June) Foster Care Fortnight is our chance to raise the profile of fostering UK-wide. Showcasing the positives, while acknowledging that for many being a foster carer is far from straightforward, this is an opportunity to highlight the fostering journey which leads to better outcomes for the children in our care. Share your connection to fostering with us this Foster Care Fortnight and help us raise the profile of the work you do to support fostered children. Download our My Connection to Fostering placard, email us your picture and be part of our campaign.

Make a connection to fostering Thunderclap Show the world that you’ve made your connection to fostering this Foster Care Fortnight by signing up to The Fostering Network’s Thunderclap! This will help to spread awareness of fostering and Foster Care Fortnight to all of your contacts on social media, and bring the campaign to the attention of others who may otherwise be unaware of the incredible work that foster carers and fostering services do. Sign up now!

Register for a Foster Walk today This Foster Care Fortnight, join one of our family-friendly sponsored Foster Walks taking place in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. We are hoping to raise as much money as possible to transform fostered children’s lives, and with over 250 people already signed up to take part the walks promise to be great day out and an opportunity to meet up with other foster families. Register today to help make foster care better.

Get the latest information on income tax and benefits We have updated our popular financial Signpost guides to reflect the latest rules and regulations. The simple and concise booklets will give you all the latest information on income tax and national insurance, as well as welfare benefits and the special rules that can apply to foster carers. The information is relevant to both new and experienced foster carers and each booklet costs just £2 for members of The Fostering Network. Pre-order your copy of the financial

Signposts today. Reach out event: fostering a disabled child, Perth As part of Foster Care Fortnight, The Fostering Network Scotland is holding a free event for all foster carers who are members of The Fostering Network to explore the issues surrounding fostering a disabled child. Share your successes and challenges, hear from Action for Sick Children, and learn from others. The event will run from 10am-3pm on 9 June in Perth. To secure your place please email Linda Bowie, or call 0141 204 1400.

Free fun sports and arts days for children in Wales As part of research, commissioned by the Welsh Government, into young people’s views and experiences of education, Cardiff University and The Fostering Network are running a number of free sports and arts days for children. We still have spaces for 5-11 year-olds in Bridgend on 27 June, and for 11-16 year-olds in Wrexham on 29 May. These will be fun days and give young people a chance to express their concerns and share ideas. For more information, or to book a place, contact Maria Boffey

Best wishes, Andy Kirk Membership Development Manager

Don't forget: your special membership discounts

40% off the fee for a completed mortgage As well as providing expert financial advice, Endsleigh can also help foster carer members find a suitable mortgage for a discounted fee.

10% off holidays Our partnership with Hoseasons Lodges & Parks and cottages4you provides foster carer members with 10% off holidays across the UK and Europe.

10% off home insurance for foster carers Foster carer members get an exclusive discount on Towergate’s comprehensive household insurance for foster carers.

Up to 52% off days out for the family Foster carer members and their families can enjoy savings on tickets for a host of attractions

across the UK, including: Alton Towers, Blackpool Tower, Warwick Castle and Sea Life centres.

Copyright © 2015 The Fostering Network, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member or contact of the Fostering Network Our mailing address is: The Fostering Network 87 Blackfriars Road London, England SE1 8HA United Kingdom Add us to your address book

Copyright © 2015 The Fostering Network, All rights reserved.

….Woohoo! It’s the HFN

BIG event 03 June...

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