Making Memories in Rotherham this Christmas
Christmas can be a magical time, filled with the joy and wonder of children’s excitement. But as with every holiday, it has its ups and downs. With children off school, filling the days can be hard, especially when you’re on a budget. It can be tempting to focus on gift giving to make things special, but often what children remember isn’t the toys or gadgets but the simple things, like time spent with those they care about.
Fostering Rotherham is here to help. At Christmas we offer additional allowances to help with extra expenses and with peer support groups and access to discounted activities across South Yorkshire and the UK, our foster carers can make the season magical whatever their budget. We’ve put together this guide to having a simply wonderful Christmastime.
Pantomime time!
We love a pantomime here at Fostering Rotherham (Oh no we don’t! Oh yes we do!). All our fostering families are entitled to a Rothercard, which gives discounts at various places across the region, including Rotherham Civic Theatre. This year’s pantomime is Aladdin starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling as Wishee Washee! Tickets for this genie-us production are selling fast, so head to their website and get yours now!
Mince pies vs Exercise
For those of you who like to balance the mince pies with a bit of exercise, a Rothercard entitles you discounts on leisure activities across Rotherham. Discounts on gymnastics classes and swimming lessons are also available.
Taking on a challenge as a family can model resilience and build you as a team, making it a great bonding experience. Fostering Rotherham families are also entitled to a Max Card, giving them discounts at a range of businesses across South Yorkshire. Why not try karting at TeamSport, Sheffield? Or if that’s not enough adrenaline fuelled fun for you then why not test your head for heights at Awesome Walls climbing wall? You can apply for your Max Card by emailing CYPS-Fostering@rotherham.gov.uk
If the weather outside is frightful...
Then sometimes it’s just nice to snuggle up in the warmth and stay at home. And while screen-time definitely has its place, it’s good to have some alternatives. As a foster carer with Fostering Rotherham you will also become members of the Fostering Network, with all the benefits that includes. One to check out is 15% off the vast range of craft supplies at Baker Ross. Homemade Christmas cards? Yes please! 10% off cooking activity boxes subscription at Little Cooks Co.? Yum!
If you’re still stuck for ideas of fun things to do at home, why not check out our blog on at home activities here.
Walking in a winter wonderland
We’re lucky to have beautiful countryside and lovely parks right on our doorstep here in South Yorkshire. A winter walk is just the thing to freshen everyone up. Walking and talking is often easier than sitting face to face for some children as it takes the pressure off, so it could be a great time to chat about how Christmas will be and any concerns they might have. And if the weather’s really chilly, it’s a great excuse for a warming hot chocolate when you get home. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
All I want for Christmas is you…
It’s lovely to come together to celebrate and support each other at Christmas and we have a wonderfully caring community of fostering families here in Rotherham. We’re proud of our network of Mockingbird Hubs, which support fostering families across Rotherham. Last Christmas, the Hubs made sure to provide a special experience for the families they support despite the restrictions in place due to covid. Foster carer Michelle, the leader of one of our hubs, went out of her way to provide a magical Christmas, creating a Santa’s grotto in her back garden!
You are never alone as a Fostering Rotherham foster carer - we are with you every step of the way. As well as peer support groups and Mockingbird Hubs, we offer 24/7 support with your dedicated social worker available during working hours and an out of hours emergency hotline.
You can find out more about the support we offer here:
We wish you a merry Christmas…
For many looked after children, this is their first settled Christmas, so being able to join in with the simple traditions of your family Christmas will be more than enough to make this a really memorable time for them. Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to create amazing memories.
Have a chat with us!
We’ll always work hard to make Rotherham children’s memories fantastic all year round - can you help by becoming an inspirational foster carer? Book a call with one of our fostering advisers today: