Could you make a change this year?
West Sussex County Council’s Fostering Service is calling on local residents to join their team at this year’s Bognor Prom 10k to find out more about supporting fostering in the county.
Fostering West Sussex is an official 2025 event sponsor, which takes place on 18 May. The team are inviting supporters and runners to speak to them to discover what fostering for the council involves, how the service supports carers, and different ways to contribute to their work helping children and young people find safe and secure homes in West Sussex. They will also be handing out flags to help spectators cheer on runners and create a lively race atmosphere.
Shining a light on fostering
Members of the council’s Fostering Service team and several West Sussex foster carers will also be taking part in the race and helping to marshal. Among the runners will be Kelly Wilkes, Head of Fostering and Kinship Service at West Sussex County Council. Kelly said: “I am delighted Fostering West Sussex will be sponsoring the Bognor Prom 10k in May 2025. This is an event I have enjoyed participating in over the years for various local causes, but in 2025 I am pleased to have the opportunity to shine a light on the need for foster carers in our community.”
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, Learning and Skills, said: “Fostering West Sussex provide fantastic support to local foster carers, working tirelessly to keep children and young people safe and help them fulfil their potential. Partnering with events such as the Bognor Prom 10k is a great way of getting our message in front of the community and giving residents the opportunity to learn more about what they can do to support fostering in West Sussex. Thank you to everyone involved in organising this event and good luck to all taking part in the race!”
A special sponsor for 20th year
Now in its 20th year, the Bognor Prom 10k is organised by the Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners and the Hotham Rotary Club. The race sign-up form is now open via the official website.
Peter Ramsdale, Race Director for the 2025 Bognor Prom 10k and Fun Run said “We are really excited to have Fostering West Sussex sponsor the event in May. The support they provide to the fostering community in West Sussex and their work to help local children aligns with what we are trying to achieve as an event; bringing people together and challenging them to do something special. We can’t wait to work with Fostering West Sussex again and help them use the event to encourage more people in the county to consider becoming a foster carer.”
Putting fostering in the spotlight this May
Fostering will be in the spotlight across West Sussex during May, with the Bognor Prom 10k falling during Foster Care Fortnight. The national campaign, organised by the Fostering Network, will run from 12 – 25 May and the council’s Fostering Service will be running a series of activities throughout the period to raise the profile of fostering, show how foster carers transforms lives, and encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers in West Sussex.
The number of children and young people cared for by the council stands at over 900 across the county, with 20 currently waiting for a foster home.
Foster carers for West Sussex County Council receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £31,33 per child per year, with additional fees for specialist roles.
Find out more about fostering by visiting the Fostering West Sussex website, or by emailing fostering@westsussex.gov.uk or by calling 0330 222 7775.
