As panto season gets underway at the Waterfront Hall, the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk were delighted to welcome staff from HSC NI Foster Care ahead of the first performance, marking the beginning of a Christmas partnership with an important purpose.
Currently, there are 3,514 children and young people in Northern Ireland who rely on foster care (March 2025). Many are still waiting for a stable, supportive home where they can grow and thrive.
While the Jack and the Beanstalk cast prepares to bring joy, laughter, and festive magic to audiences over the coming weeks, the HSC NI Foster Care team will also be out in the community raising awareness of the urgent need for foster carers and encouraging more people to consider opening their homes to a child in need.
Charlie McCloskey, Director of Events and Customer Experience at Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, said:
Christmas is a time when we come together as a community, and we are proud to stand with HSC NI Foster Care to help share their vital message.
"Every child deserves safety, stability and warmth, and if our support can help even one more person consider fostering, that is something truly meaningful. We welcome the HSC NI Foster Care team into our venues this season and hope their presence inspires people to take that first step."
Fostering opportunities range from short-term to longer-term arrangements, offering flexible ways for people to get involved based on their lifestyle and family circumstances. Foster carers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, bringing unique skills and lived experience that help meet the individual needs of each child.
If you are patient, caring, understanding and a good listener, you may already have many of the qualities needed to become a foster carer. As a HSC NI foster carer, you will join a supportive community, receive training and fostering allowances, and have access to 24-hour social work support.
If you think you could make a difference in a child's life, visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net or call 0800 0720 137 to take the first step in your fostering journey.
