Pub provides festive fun for looked-after children across Sussex

East Sussex Foster Care Association (ESFCA) was devastated to have to cancel the annual party for the foster families. This is the charity’s annual highlights for children of all ages as it closes with a very special visit from Father Christmas bringing a little present and a lot of Christmas spirit to the children and carers.

However local businesses Orbit Innovations, the Berwick Inn and More Radio had other ideas.

They could not offer a party, but Orbit Innovations, which designs and builds outside pods for the hospitality trade, contacted the Berwick Inn, which currently has one of its pods, and between them offered a Covid-safe environment for Santa to join the children and families in a socially-distanced meet.

More Radio stepped up and helped Santa by providing lots of toys and Sainsburys, in Eastbourne’s Beacon Shopping Centre, provided plenty of mince pies so everybody could enjoy a touch of Christmas Spirit and a quick chat with Santa.

ESFCA extended its thanks – and the thanks of all the foster families which attended the event – to all the owners, staff and volunteers of the businesses that worked so hard and generously gave their time and resources to make it happen.

ESFCA is a local independent charity serving the needs of foster carers, their families and the children who are placed in their care by the local authority.

There are approximately 620 children in care in East Sussex at anyone time with ages ranging from birth to 25 years old.

The majority of the children have come into care having experienced abuse. A significant number have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused and many have suffered chronic neglect.

Since its induction in 1993 the ESFCA has worked hard to raise funds.

Its aim is to show these vulnerable children and young people that support, guidance, education and inspiration can help them succeed and enable them to build a brighter future for themselves.