More than 140 foster children and their carers from Barking and Dagenham enjoyed a day packed with fun, games and activities at Abbey Leisure Centre yesterday (24 August), thanks to a partnership between Barking and Dagenham Council and Everyone Active. 

The free event, which ran from 11am to 5.30pm, was exclusively open to the borough's foster children and foster carers, giving families the opportunity to come together, have fun and create lasting memories during the summer holidays. 

A wide range of activities were on offer throughout the day, including a pool party, arts and crafts sessions, face painting, games and activities, basketball mini games and giant dominoes. Children were also able to get creative with rock painting, sun catchers, flowerpot decorating and paper plate crafts. Lunch was provided for all attendees. 

The event was funded and delivered by Everyone Active as part of its social value commitments, demonstrating its ongoing support for communities across Barking and Dagenham.

This is the second time Everyone Active has hosted a funday for children in care. A similar event was held at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre in June last year. Everyone Active also offers a free membership programme which gives cared-for and care-experienced young people up to age 25 access to gym facilities, swimming pools and group activities at its leisure centres across the UK.

Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Education and Schools, said: "What a fantastic day for our foster children and their carers to enjoy. 

"Every child should be able to make memories like these over the summer holiday and I'm so grateful to Everyone Active for putting this on. 

“I also want to thank all of the borough's foster carers for their commitment over the summer holidays, ensuring the borough's foster kids have a fun and carefree time over the break." 

Amy Sivetoglu, Contract Health Activity & Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active said: "We were delighted to host this special event for Barking and Dagenham's fostering community. Providing opportunities for children and families to be active, have fun and spend quality time together is at the heart of what we do. 

"It was fantastic to welcome more than 120 children to Abbey Leisure Centre and see them enjoying everything the day had to offer." 

Barking and Dagenham Council is eager to hear from people from all walks of life who might want to become foster carers. 

If you're interested, you can call 020 8227 5988 during office hours, or find out more here: https://fostering.lbbd.gov.uk/