A powerful new photo exhibition celebrating the foster carers of North East Lincolnshire council is set to tour two local venues this May as part of Foster Care Fortnight.
The display showcases 13 local foster carers and their individual experiences, placing real people and real stories at its heart. Hosted at Cleethorpes Library and Freshney Place Shopping Centre, it has been created by North East Lincolnshire Council in partnership with Grimbarians – a platform dedicated to championing the inspiring people of our area.
Each image has been taken in a place chosen by the carer themselves, capturing settings that hold a deep personal meaning; whether that’s the coastline and open green spaces or much‑loved local landmarks, each one reflects the close connection between family life, community and place.
The project has been created by North East Lincolnshire Council in partnership with Grimbarians, a local platform dedicated to showcasing inspirational people from across the area. The collaboration brings together storytelling and photography to celebrate local foster carers while helping to build understanding of fostering and the difference it can make to children’s lives.
The photographs will be on display at Cleethorpes Library from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May and Saturday 16 May, before moving to Freshney Place Shopping Centre from Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May. The display coincides with Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s national awareness campaign highlighting the realities of fostering and the ongoing need for more carers to support local children.
The event also recognises the pressures carers face and calls for greater understanding, support and change across the fostering system. Throughout the two weeks, North East Lincolnshire Council will be celebrating its foster carers, raising awareness of the need for more local carers, and encouraging others to consider fostering local children.
Ann-Marie Matson, Director for Children’s Services, said:
“At the heart of fostering are people who are willing to offer care, stability and understanding when children need it most.
“This exhibition shines a light on the dedication of our local foster carers and the meaningful difference they make in children’s lives every day. It aims to not only celebrate our foster carers, but also the places that matter most to them across North East Lincolnshire.
“By photographing carers in locations that are special to them – whether that’s the beach, Waltham Windmill or Weelsby Woods – we’re able to show the strong connection between fostering, family life and our local community.
“Working with Grimbarians, whose focus is on championing inspirational local people, felt like a natural partnership. Together, we’re proud to recognise the incredible contribution our foster carers make and to share their stories in a way that feels authentic, personal and rooted in our area.
“We are extremely grateful for the commitment our foster carers show across North East Lincolnshire, and we hope these stories help others understand the positive and lasting impact fostering can have for both children and families.”
Dan Clarke, the photographer and lead creative at Grimbarians said:
“We’re really proud, as Grimbarians C.I.C., to be part of this project and to work alongside Fostering NEL in bringing it to life.
“It’s been a privilege to meet the foster carers involved, hear their stories, and capture and celebrate them. Projects like this sit right at the heart of what we’re about, celebrating real people, sharing their stories, and helping communities feel seen and connected.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the exhibition open and these important stories shared more widely.”
Would you like to find out more about fostering with NEL?
Call: 01472 323966
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://tinyurl.com/32rhwhsj
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