Residents urged to take care and get vaccinated to prevent further spread Leicestershire residents are being urged to ‘take action now’ to stem a rise in coronavirus rates after cases more than doubled in a week. Figures have risen above the national average after jumping from 15.2 to 38 for every 100,000 people, underlining the call for residents to take care and get vaccinated to prevent further spread. Rates have more than trebled in Blaby District (57.1 cases per 100,000 population) and Charnwood (57.6) over the same period and compare to the national average of 32.4/100,000 The picture in Leicestershire has worsened quickly and we could be in for a bumpy ride if we don’t take action now. "We are seeing rises – particularly in children and young people and those in their 30s. This is driven by people mixing more and we’re seeing a number of cases connected to barbecues and parties. And also because like the rest of the country, the more transmissible delta variant is the dominant strain in Leicestershire. We’re in a better position compared to the start of the year. I know it’s been a tough 15 months but the pandemic isn’t over. If you’re getting together with friends and family, take care, make sure you’re doing the right thing by meeting up sensibly, and crucially, take the opportunity to get vaccinated." Mike Sandys, county council director of public health To stop the spread of coronavirus, people are urged to: Get tested if you have symptoms and isolate – book a test Get vaccinated – and in particular, make sure you have your second dose Take regular, rapid lateral flow tests to help keep your workplace, community and school safe – find out more and order tests Leicestershire County Council News Friday 4th of June 2021

People in areas of Leicester where the take-up of the coronavirus vaccination has been low are being urged to have their jab this weekend. A network of drop-in clinics opened in the city last week to offer a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to eligible people in the target areas – but the additional vaccine supplies are only expected to be available until Sunday (6 June). People whose postcode starts with the four digits listed below are therefore being encouraged to pop in to one of the six Leicester sites for their jab as soon as they can: LE1 1, LE1 7, LE2 0, LE2 1, LE2 7, LE3 0, LE3 2, LE3 5, LE3 6, LE3 9, LE4 0, LE4 2, LE4 9, LE5 0, LE5 1, LE5 3, LE5 4, LE5 5, LE5 6. As well as older adults, those aged 18 or over may also be eligible for the jab – depending on who they live with. Those now invited to come forward for their vaccination are: Those aged 18+ who live with someone who is at higher risk from Covid (either because they are aged 50 or over or because they have a health condition) Those aged 18+ who live with two or more adults who are not from the same family Those aged 30 or over (or turning 30 before 1st July 2021) Those with a health condition which puts them at higher risk from Covid Carers Health or care workers Those who meet the criteria can get their Covid jab at one of the following locations until Sunday (6 June): Coleman Neighbourhood Centre, Balderstone Close, LE5 4ES De Montfort Hall (The Garden Room), University Road, LE1 7RU Eyres Monsell Community Centre, Hillsborough Road, Glen Parva, LE2 9PQ Fosse Neighbourhood Centre, Mantle Road, LE3 5HG Hamilton Library, 20 Maidenwell Avenue, LE5 1BL Tudor Community Centre, Bewcastle Grove, Leicester LE4 2JU No appointment is necessary. From Monday (7 June), only the clinics at De Montfort Hall and Hamilton Library will remain open – and that will only be for a short time, while vaccine stocks last. All the clinics will be offering the Pfizer vaccine, which is suitable for pregnant women and people of all ages. All six sites will be open from 12pm to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday (5-6 June). Please note that this service cannot be used by those who have already had their first Covid jab. People can also book their vaccinations on the NHS booking site, at hospital hubs, at participating pharmacies, or when their GP contacts them. The six drop-in clinics have been set up to accelerate the vaccination process in Leicester, helping to protect people from the virus and its variants and stop cases in the city from rising further. The local NHS worked with Leicester City Council to set up the vaccination hubs in response to a rise in cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.617.2 – the highly transmissible variant first identified in India, now known as the ‘Delta’ variant. Leicester’s Director of Public Health Professor Ivan Browne said: “Stepping up vaccinations in Leicester provides us with a vital line of defence against the Delta variant. “Over the past week, these walk-in centres have been helping us to accelerate our vaccination programme. They’ll be open until Sunday evening (6 June) so please make use of them. “If you live in the areas that we’re targeting, and you haven’t had a jab yet, please get to one of these sites as soon as you can to have your vaccination – and make sure you have your second dose in around eight to 12 weeks’ time to give yourself the best possible protection.” Caroline Trevithick, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Performance for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “It’s really important that everyone in Leicester that is in an eligible group comes forward to have their Covid-19 vaccination. It’s especially important that those that live in the specifically identified areas within the city have their vaccines as there is a higher chance that the virus can spread rapidly in low vaccine take up areas. “We are particularly keen to vaccinate anyone aged 50 and over or those with a health condition who hasn’t yet come forward. We’re also urging anyone over 18 that lives with a vulnerable person to come forward and be vaccinated too. This is so that we can help protect those that are most at risk from becoming seriously unwell if they catch the virus and we want to make sure they have the best possible protection if cases continue to rise.” Latest figures for coronavirus infections in Leicester show a rate of 81.3 per 100,000 (seven days up to 27 May). This is up from the previous week’s rate of 58.2 per 100,000 (seven days up to 20 May). As of 23 May, 78% of those aged 40 and over in Leicester had had their first Covid jab, compared to a national average of 85%. The percentage of those aged 40 and over who have had both jabs in Leicester is 48%, compared to 56% in England. More information about getting the coronavirus vaccine is available here

Leicester’s Director of Public Health says the Government has confirmed that new advice published on its website in relation to Leicester and other areas, suggesting that additional restrictions were to be put in place, was incorrect. Professor Ivan Browne said people should continue to follow existing national guidelines as before. He said: “We had an urgent meeting with Government reps and other affected local authorities today (Tuesday, May 25), after we became aware that the Government had updated its website to include specific advice around Leicester and some other areas where the new Covid-19 variant has been identified as spreading. “These officials confirmed there are no restrictions on travel in or out of each of our areas and it was a mistake to suggest there was. “There are no local lockdowns and there is no justification for Leicester to be treated differently to the rest of the country. “No-one from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) contacted us about this advice, to explain the rationale behind it or give any other information. “As it stands, Leicester has lower rates of the variant than other parts of the country, and we have a plan in place for stepping up our vaccination rate as agreed with the Government last week. “We always suggest that people should take a cautious approach and make sensible judgements when restrictions are eased as part of the Government’s roadmap, and that still applies. “When making travel arrangements, or mixing indoors, we should all follow the necessary precautions which include ventilating rooms and vehicles if car sharing; wearing a face covering on public transport; and following the rule of two households or six people if meeting indoors.” Details of current Covid-19 guidance for Leicester are available here. Leicester City Council News dated 25th May 2021

Five of Leicester’s six rapid testing sites are to be converted to vaccination centres as Leicester steps up its coronavirus vaccination programme. Leicester is one of a number of areas around the country that will be speeding up its vaccination process, following a rise in cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India. Leicester’s Director of Public Health Professor Ivan Browne said: “Cases of the variant first identified in India are still relatively low in Leicester compared to some of the hotspots we have seen across the country, but we want to step up the vaccination programme here to get on the front foot before they increase, as is likely to be the case. “We have been asking for permission, and for the supplies, to boost our vaccination programme and I am very pleased that this has now been agreed. “The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups are leading on the vaccination programme and we have agreed for them to use five of our six rapid testing sites, which they will convert to vaccination centres to come into use from next week. “These are at Coleman Neighbourhood Centre, Eyres Monsell Community Centre, Fosse Neighbourhood Centre, Hamilton Library and the Tudor Centre. Rapid tests are no longer available from these locations. The Adult Education College will remain open as a rapid testing site. “Surge testing is not required in Leicester as we have been carrying out targeted testing around variants for some time, but we will continue to offer tests through the existing PCR test sites in the city, and of course lateral flow tests are now readily available from local pharmacies, by ordering online and in some workplaces. “Where necessary, we can also use our ground teams who have been knocking on doors in local neighbourhoods to offer tests and advice for many months”. PCR tests will remain available from sites across the city, including at Victoria Park and Jubilee Square. Caroline Trevithick, executive director of nursing, quality and performance for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “In light of the Government announcement regarding surge planning in Leicester city, we are working closely with the local authority to repurpose the testing sites into vaccine sites to provide the vaccine to specific communities in Leicester city where we need to increase uptake. We are still finalising the specifics of the plan and will work with the local communities to ensure they understand how to access this service.” Lateral flow tests – for people without symptoms - can ordered online at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests PCR tests – for people with symptoms - can be booked by calling 119 or at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test Leicester City Council News Friday 21st May 2021

Changes will take place over the coming weeks to temporary cycle routes and pavement widening schemes introduced at the beginning of the pandemic. Leicester City Council introduced a network of pop-up cycle tracks on key commuter routes and footway widening measures in busy shopping streets during 2020, to help ensure hospital workers and other key staff could cycle and walk safely to and from the city and allowing shoppers to observe social distancing measures, with carriageway narrowing reducing vehicle speeds. Now, with the city steadily reopening as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased, more traffic is once again using the routes, including the new Park and Ride electric bus services which come into use next week. Some of the pop-up routes are being removed or redesigned, while others could be made permanent - subject to public consultations over the coming months - as part of an ongoing review of them. Since 2012, the city council has invested more than £70m in creating cycling-friendly streets, people-friendly public squares, public transport hubs and cycle tracks along main roads. An estimated 18,000 daily cycling journeys take place across the city’s cycling network. In the first instance, the pop-up cycle track in both directions along Hinckley Road will revert to being a bus lane from Monday, May 24, to coincide with the start of the Enderby Park and Ride electric bus using that route. Both the 1.6-mile inbound route and the 1.1-mile outbound cycle path will be handed back for use as a bus lane, although pop-up measures to create safe cycling space, manage parking and aid social distancing outside local shops will remain in place. The route is currently marked with cones, road markings and temporary barriers. On London Road in the coming weeks, the existing inbound cycle lane will revert to use by both cyclists and buses. Between the sections of bus lane, the protected cycle tracks will remain in place while designs for a more permanent solution are considered. Off-carriageway cycle tracks along Saffron Lane will be introduced, and the bus lane will return to use for buses once the pop-up cycle track is removed. It comes as works to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians get underway around the junction of Putney Road and Aylestone Road. Pop-up footway-widening routes in Belgrave Road, Green Lane Road and Evington Road are also expected to be gradually removed over the coming weeks. Other schemes which are under review but likely to be retained in some form include the cycle lanes between Belgrave Circle and Abbey Park Road, Aylestone Road, Pocklingtons Walk and Mill Lane Bridge. Queens Road and the ‘mini Holland’ layout in Braunstone Gate will also be reviewed. These footway widening schemes help to support social distancing by pedestrians and outdoor café seating, looking to strike a balance between providing accessibility to businesses and helping people to be covid-safe. The pop-up cycle route in Beaumont Leys Lane is also due to remain, as work to bring forward a permanent scheme is developed, along with existing marked out routes in Braunstone Lane and Evington Lane where funding has been secured to improve these important cycle routes. In the city centre, pop-up cycling and walking facilities plus increased café seating space in Granby Street is due to be incorporated into more permanent plans for the area. Those in Every Street and St Martins, where roads have been closed to allow pavement seating, will also remain. Leicester deputy city mayor for environment and transport, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “This programme of pop-up cycle paths and pavement widening came about in spring 2020 to help provide key workers with safer cycling routes and walking connections across the city. They have also helped businesses by providing space for outdoor café seating, supporting their recovery. “With the city now steadily reopening, we’re taking the decision to reinstate the bus lanes occupied by some of these. Wherever possible, we want to keep safety measures in place, such as ensuring that pre-existing cycle routes are more clearly marked with wands or road markings, and ensuring that social distancing measures which widen the space available can remain in place where needed. “It means we’ve also had the chance to see how these pop-up routes work, and in some cases we are looking to make them permanent by including them in wider improvement work - but we are constantly reviewing this work to ensure it addresses local needs. “These key worker corridors have been vital in encouraging people to try walking and cycling, while the widening of pavements has helped people to maintain social distancing as well as helping businesses to trade outside. They still have an essential role to play in our work to address the climate emergency by offering an alternative to car use, as part of a citywide approach to more sustainable travel choices, as detailed in our Covid-19 Transport Recovery Plan.” As part of an ongoing response to the pandemic, the Covid-19 Transport Discovery Plan has included the Leicester Bike Aid project, which gave away more than 500 bikes to key workers in need of them, and fixed a further 750 to help people get around by bike. The roll-out of the city’s Santander Cycles Leicester bike share scheme helped around 1,000 key workers during lockdown. Leicester City Council has a package of nearly £80million, including funding from the Government's Transforming Cities Fund, to spend on a range of major projects. As well as the bike share scheme, these include developing better walking and cycling links and upgrading to electric park and ride buses. Information on cycling locally can be found here: https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/cycling/ The Covid-19 Transport Recovery Plan is available here: https://www.leicester.gov.uk/media/186689/covid-19-transport-recovery-plan-may-2020.pdf Information on support for businesses to trade outside can be found here: https://www.leicester.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/transport-and-street-licences-and-permits/temporary-street-cafe-licence/ Leicester City Council News Friday 21st May 2021

People of all ages are invited to ditch the car and get active as Beat the Street Leicester gets underway across the whole city from Wednesday, 26th May to Wednesday. 7th July. Beat the Street is a free, interactive game that encourages people of all ages to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. The game has just come to a conclusion in Wigston where 3,230 people played and walked, cycled, ran and wheeled a total of 32,803 miles. It has also previously been played twice in Blaby district and once in the north west of Leicester. Now the game is set to take place across the whole of Leicester. Beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes will be placed on lampposts around the area for the duration of the six-week game. Primary school pupils will be provided with fobs while parents and teachers will receive a card from the school so they can accompany children. The wider community can pick up a contactless card from a distribution point listed at www.beatthestreet.me/leicester Players then walk, roll, scoot, cycle or run between the 350 Beat Boxes scoring points with their fobs or cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score for their community or school team. Each week is themed with different activities to help participants get the most out of their Beat the Street experience. The game takes place outdoors but the Beat Boxes have been made more sensitive so you do not need to touch it. Players can simply hover their card or fob near the sensor and it will register the swipe. Beat the Street is being delivered by Intelligent Health and is funded by the National Lottery on behalf of Sport England, Leicester City Council, and the Canal and River Trust. Cllr Vi Dempster, Leicester City Council assistant city mayor and lead member for health, said: “We are delighted to bring this fun game to the whole of Leicester and we can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, wheel, cycle and scoot as part of their daily exercise during the Beat the Street challenge.” Prof Ivan Browne, Leicester’s director of Public Health added: “Leicester has been very hard hit by the pandemic so we’re delighted that Beat the Street will bring a fun competition to the city while by getting us all outdoors again, and exercising safely.” Phil Mulligan, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, added: “We’re pleased to be supporting Beat the Street Leicester again as its ethos of getting into green spaces, parks and waterways fits in exactly with our mission to help people enjoy the canals and rivers and using them to help look after their physical or mental health.” More information will be available at www,beatthestreet.me/Leicester and on social media @BTSLeicester

Police including specially-trained officers – have today (Thursday 20 May) remained at the scene of a protest being held at the Meridian Business Park. Officers were called shortly after 5.30am yesterday to a report that a group of people were on the roof of business premises. The group remain on the roof and police have continued to maintain an open dialogue with them. A further protest has also been taking place on the ground and has been facilitated in a peaceful manner. The force is aware of a further planned protest in Scudamore Road, off New Parks Way, tomorrow (Friday 21 May) as it is believed a company linked to the one at the Meridian Business Park may be based there. Officers have engaged with business owners in Scudamore Road and can confirm they are not linked in any way. Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “I would again like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this protest continues. “Officers have been engaging with the group and will continue to do so while they remain in their current position.” Pictures by Leicester Media

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a term used to describe when children and young people are manipulated or coerced into committing crimes. Criminals groom boys and girls to carry out illegal activity on their behalf – such as selling and storing drugs, carrying weapons and committing burglary, robbery or theft. Currently across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland we are seeing children and young people between the ages of nine and 17 being used by criminals. The most common type of crimes they are becoming involved in is activity known as ‘County Lines’. Children and young people caught up in CCE won’t always act like victims because they don’t often see themselves as victims. This is because individuals or gangs who target children will often make them feel respected, important and protected. Some children are also made to feel like they have no choice and will be scared to speak out about what is happening. It is important we all remember children are often preyed on because they are vulnerable. We must all work together to help put an end to this abuse. The police, education, local councils and health organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland all have an important part to play in preventing children being exploited and deal with those responsible. We also need your help to look after the children in your life. To know the signs and to act if you suspect a child is in danger. Are you listening Funded by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s Violence Reduction Network, a new film entitled ‘Are you listening’ aims to raise awareness of the issue of CCE, some of the signs that could indicate a child is in danger and where you can go for help and support. It is important we all play an active role in tackling this issue. The film focuses on four stories, which although fictional, are typical of the types of criminality children do become involved in. Children won’t often just tell you if they are in trouble but there are often some obvious signs that could indicate they might need help. The most obvious sign is a change in a child or young person’s behaviour from what is considered ‘normal’ for them. Other signs include: Withdrawal from usual group of friends and a mention of older or new friends Having gifts, a new phone or money that can’t be accounted for Becoming withdrawn or secretive Receiving a large number of calls or messages to their phone or being worried about being away from their phone A drop in grades or performance, as well as suspension or exclusion from school Going missing from home or not showing up to school or regular afterschool groups or clubs Become involved in low level criminality such as antisocial behaviour. If you suspect a child is being exploited try to talk to them. Children are more likely to open up to an adult they have an existing and trusting relationship with. Next steps If you think a child could be involved in this type of activity, you can contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or online. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger always call 999. You can also call your local council children’s team for advice. Leicester City Council 0116 4541004 Leicestershire County Council 0116 3059521 Rutland County Council 01572 758407 or their out of hours number is 0116 305 0005 Children’s charities such as the Children’s Societyand the NSPCC also have information and support which can help.

Local residents will notice an increased police presence on our roads next week in reaction to community concerns around speeding vehicles. The week of road safety activity will coincide with busier roads due to the further easing of lockdown, and the United Nations’ Global Road Safety Week which runs from 17th to 23rd May Officers from Leicestershire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, the Safer Roads Team, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and safety camera vehicle staff will join forces for the operation, which begins on Monday. The London School of Economics (LSE) have recently analysed 20 years of collision data to help the Metropolitan Police understand how they might use their resources more effectively to prevent road and vehicle related harm in their communities. The LSE research shows that vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other powered two wheeler users are consistently over represented in all killed and seriously injured (KSI) categories. Early indications from the LSE research strongly indicates that these deaths and injuries are most likely to occur on low speed, local neighbourhood roads. According to our latest 2019 casualty figures 173 vulnerable road users were killed or seriously injured on the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Jonathan Clarkson, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership spokesperson said, “As lockdown eases further and roads continue to get busier, it’s imperative that everyone uses them safely and stays within the speed limits.” “With increased traffic on the roads and areas getting busier for the summer, Leicestershire Police will do everything in their power to keep communities and road users safe.”

As Excitement builds ahead of Leicester City’s first FA Cup Final in more than 50 years, one Foxes’ fan is hoping for not one, but two massive results. Leicester’s director of public health Ivan Browne was born in the city and has supported his home team for as long as he can remember. Like every other Leicester fan, Ivan is hoping that the FA Cup will be in City’s hands on Saturday night – but whatever happens at Wembley, he’s also hoping that a huge occasion for the city doesn’t result in a spike in Leicester’s coronavirus rates. With many restrictions still in place, and with Leicester’s COVID rates still higher than the national average, Ivan is urging fans to enjoy the occasion responsibly. “This is a massive day for Leicester City and its fans, and naturally we all want to make the most of the occasion, but let’s not forget that coronavirus hasn’t gone away yet,” he said. “After the incredibly difficult year we’ve had in Leicester, a Cup Final is a brilliant tonic that will give us all a boost. But what no one wants is for something so positive to turn into something negative for us all. “Set up your TV in your garden, and you can even invite up to five friends round to join you, book a table in a beer garden and watch the game with your mates, or just get the snacks in and enjoy the game with your family at home. “However tempting it is to break the rules, please don’t. Show your love for your team and your city by supporting City safely. “Respect the rule of six, refrain from mixing indoors with people you don’t live with, and remember that COVID loves a crowd, so keeping your distance can really help keep you safe. “Wearing a face covering, washing your hands regularly, and staying apart from anyone you don’t live with can help protect you from the virus and its variants. “The result at Wembley will obviously mean a lot to me as a City fan, but what’s even more important is that, in the days following the match, the data continues to show that the infection rate in Leicester is coming down.” While Ivan – like most of the city – will be watching the match at home, 6,250 Leicester fans will be heading to Wembley for the match. Each fan lucky enough to have a ticket will have to take a test at a rapid testing centre before they travel, to prove that they’re not carrying coronavirus. To make it easy for fans to get the test, the city council will be extending the opening hours at its six rapid testing centres in the run-up to the big day. Special arrangements in place for the FA Cup Final mean that fans are encouraged to book their appointment to ensure they get their test in time. Tests must be taken no more than 48 hours before entry to Wembley stadium, so fans need to book their appointments from 2.15pm on Thursday (13 May). Leicester’s six testing sites will be open until 10pm on Thursday (13 May) and Friday (14 May) – and from 8am on Cup Final day (15 May), for fans who leave it until the last minute. Results are sent by text or email within 30 minutes of the test. Tests at sites in both the city and the county – where an additional seven testing sites are available ­– can be booked here, but all the essential information about tickets, testing and travel is available on Leicester City’s website. As well as supporting the testing programme, the city council is also working with Leicester City Football Club to ensure their transport plans run smoothly on the day. With most fans travelling to Wembley by official club coaches, the council has arranged for coaches to park on Raw Dykes Road prior to departure, and it’s made its Park & Ride site at Enderby available as a further coach pick-up and drop-off point. The council is also providing the Saffron Lane stadium as a drop-off point for returning coaches. Officers from the city council’s Licensing Enforcement team are involved in the pre-match preparations too. They will be contacting licensed premises in Leicester to provide guidance and information that will help them operate safely on Cup Final day. The team will do a number of pre-visits to pubs and bars and will also jointly monitor venues with the police throughout the day to ensure they are operating safely. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It’s been a long time since Leicester enjoyed an FA Cup Final, so understandably there’s a lot of excitement in the city. “I want to wish the team the very best of luck. Whatever happens at Wembley, Brendan Rodgers and the players have made us very proud. And the best thing we can do to show our appreciation is to support them safely.” Leicester City Council News

An appeal has been launched to find foster carers for teenagers. There are almost 700 children in care in the care of Leicestershire County Council and of this number more than half - 398 - are aged between ten and seventeen years old. The call for people to come forward and offer their care has been made by the authority as Foster Care Fortnight gets underway (10-23 May). Tracey is a foster carer for the council and has taken care of around 20 children and young people, including a teenage boy for whom she has applied for 'permanency'. This will give him security and stability with a loving family in the longer term. Some teenagers can sometimes be more wary of help, used to having to take care of themselves, and can see themselves as 'different'. "Once they open up and understand that they can feel safe and welcome, they show their real personalities and goals for the future. Seeing the real effort made by these teenagers to meet these goals really gives us a great sense of achievement. “We had heard stories about how troubled teenagers can be a handful but we can honestly say that we have not experienced anything like that. "Everyone we have dealt with has given us the same respect that we have given them. I think teenagers just want to feel loved and part of a family, as every child does. They need a bit of consistency in their lives, and to know that there are people who will go to bat for them no matter their past. “Watching a child come out of their shell and interact more and more with the family is wonderful. Having school teachers, social workers and independent assessors all comment on the difference in how they act with others proves it is worthwhile. Knowing you have played a small part in making that happen is very rewarding. Tracey, foster carer with the council. Sharing a personal insight, deputy assistant director for Children and Family Services at Leicestershire County Council, Nicci Collins, said: “I had a bit of a rough start to life. I had all sorts of experiences that could have been real trouble for me. "But I had people around me who saw something special in me and made me believe I could aspire and we need those people in our children’s lives in Leicestershire. “You don’t have to be an expert to be a great foster parent, just a caring and understanding person, who can offer patience and support. "I would encourage anyone curious about fostering, especially for older children, to come forward during Foster Care Fortnight – or anytime – and find out how they can make a difference.” Leicestershire County Council hopes to recruit mainstream foster carers and supported lodgings providers for teenagers, as well as specialist foster carers to care for some of Leicestershire’s most vulnerable young people. To find out more, visit www.fosteringleicestershire.com or call the Fostering Team for an informal chat on 0116 305 05 05. You can also join the council’s next virtual Find Out About Fostering event on Tuesday, 18 May at 6:30pm: https://form.jotformeu.com/203524489333356 Leicestershire County Council - Monday, 10 May, 2021

Foster carers in Leicester are sharing their experiences and talking about their work as they take part in Foster Care Fortnight (10-23 May). The annual national campaign, run by The Fostering Network, aims to raise awareness of the transformational power of fostering and celebrate the fostering community. This year’s campaign takes the theme #WhyWeCare. The theme was decided on in consultation with foster carers, children and young people from all parts of the UK. Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on social care, said: “Over the past year, many foster carers have had to adapt to new ways of working and supporting their young people through the pandemic. “We have over 150 foster carers in Leicester who do amazing work every day to support our children in care. There has been an increase in demand for foster carers due to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our most vulnerable families. “Throughout Foster Care Fortnight, we will aim to encourage everyone to understand and value fostering and the positive difference it can make to young people’s lives. We hope this increased awareness will build support for fostering, challenge stigma surrounding children in foster care and encourage more people to come forward to foster.” Local foster carers Sam and Steve have been sharing why they care. “Once you see the huge difference you have made to a child’s life and have been privileged enough to be part of their story, you can then see why foster carers care so much about fostering and the opportunities it gives to do something amazing,” says Sam. Foster carer Nik added: “I started my fostering journey nine years ago after wanting to foster for many years. One day I decided to take that leap and it’s the best decision I ever made. My husband and I have never looked back and my only regret is not making that phone call sooner! “Changing a child’s life is the most incredible feeling and I feel very lucky to have that opportunity. I see them develop into wonderful, loving and caring kids. Of course my house is very busy but we wouldn’t change a thing! “This is not just a job, it’s a passion and I would recommend it to anyone considering embarking on this rewarding journey.” Sarah (pictured) had wanted to be a foster carer for many years, but felt too nervous to make the first call. Encouraged by her daughter, she called Leicester City Council’s fostering enquiry line. “I thought they wouldn’t want me, but they were really encouraging and made me feel relaxed,” says Sarah. “I realised there’s no such thing as a typical foster carer”. Sarah was approved as a new foster carer just prior to the first lockdown in 2020, and her first placement took place during lockdown. “I did doubt myself, but I got so much support I quickly realised I could do it,” she says. Her first placement was a baby boy, which she took home from hospital after spending time on the neonatal unit getting to know him and learning about his care needs. Sarah was paid ‘start up’ costs to buy furniture and equipment following approval, and she was supported financially to get clothes and toys. Sarah is now enjoying her second placement, a new-born baby, and says she feels reassured that a social worker is always on the end of the phone if she needs any advice. “To anyone thinking about fostering, I would say just do it, it is an amazing role and so important,” she says. “I doubted myself but now, with the council’s support, I feel confident and proud of myself.” Leicester City Council offers a wide range of training and support for foster carers, plus a fostering allowance and financial support to buy equipment and clothing. If you are considering becoming a foster carer, find out more by calling 0116 454 4500 or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/fostering Leicester city council news Published on Monday, May 10, 2021