Quantum Support Services has thanked the community for its support of foster and kinship carers this Foster Carer Week.

Quantum Chief Executive Natalie McDonald said activities held recognised the importance of our foster and kinship carers but also gave them an opportunity to network with other carers.

“Quantum hosted a Gippsland-wide ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’ for all carers and children in their care,” Ms McDonald said.

“The success of this event was largely due to the planning by our Foster and Kinship Care teams as well as the generous donation of 30 bears handmade by Heyfield community members Yvonne Savage and Sue Cassidy.

“These donated teddies gave our children the opportunity to adopt their own bear, complete with adoption certificate.”

Quantum also promoted ‘Take 5 For Foster Kids’, encouraging staff to take five minutes out of their week to encourage foster caring to their networks.

“We asked people to share a social media post, reach out to a family or friends who may be interested in becoming carers, or donate $5 to Quantum’s foster care program,” Ms McDonald said.

“A foster carer is critically important to young people, enabling consistency to their care, education, activities and connection to community.

Quantum supports about 80 foster care and kinship care households across Gippsland.

“Foster caring can be hard, be it is also extremely rewarding,” Ms McDonald said.

For more information on the support services available through Quantum Support Services or how to become a foster carer visit www.quantum.org.au or phone 1800 243 455.