Hundreds of children embark on ride of a lifetime

Hundreds of people from Torbay’s Fostering, Special Guardians, Disability families, as well as care experienced young people have enjoyed one of the biggest highlights of the local Christmas calendar - a trip on the famous Christmas Train of Lights.

The event – which is the fifth time it has taken place - saw almost 750 people attending.

It was organised by Torbay Council’s Children’s Services to help create magical memories and a shared experience in the run up to Christmas. 

It is one of a number of events that the Council, working with a wide range of corporate Fostering partners, offers as part of a package of support for Foster Carers which also includes training, local support groups and networks and professional advice from a team that includes social workers, experienced Foster Carers as mentors, and much more.

Cllr Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay said: “A huge thank you to Dartmouth Steam Railway. It’s an amazing generous gesture greatly appreciated by all our special children, their carers & families. It’s a truly magical experience to ride the Train of Lights.

“This is one of a number of fantastic events we share with our local Foster families throughout the year and as ever, we are always looking for more Foster Carers here in the Bay so if you think you are able to provide a safe, loving home then why not change a child’s future and Foster with Torbay.” 

John Jones, Managing Director of Dartmouth Steam Railway, said: “We really like supporting Fostering in Torbay – this is the fifth year we have done this where we give families the chance to experience the Train of Lights free of charge. It’s a bit of a personal thing for me as well, my parents fostered children – when I was little I didn’t like it but I got over it and it was fantastic. So we’re really keen to support such a good cause.”

Dartmouth Steam Railway is one of Torbay Council’s official corporate partners for the Fostering service, providing support and access to exclusive events for Fostering families. 

Also at the event were representatives from Fostering South West, the new regional hub to promote Fostering with local authorities. 

They work with 15 councils across the south west region and recently launched a new partnership with Mood Bears. 

Mood Bears are specifically designed to help individuals express their feelings whilst supporting mental health and wellbeing in young people, something which is incredibly important for  fostering families.

Ian Jarman, Assistant Team Manager and Communications Lead for Fostering South West said: “Fostering South West is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the region to work together, share their knowledge and expertise and work collectively to create more safe and loving homes for children and young people in the care of their local authority.

“On a local level, opportunities to support authorities like Torbay Council and their wider fostering community at events like this is an enormous privilege. I would urge anyone interested in fostering to contact the hub to learn more about how we can support them in their new journey.”

Here's some feedback from some of those who attended:

“Thank you so much for the most wonderful time last night , the whole event was so beautiful seeing so many familiar faces , well done for putting together such a lovely event for children with disabilities and looked after children it really was a huge success and very well organised.”

“Our children had a magical time and none stop smiles and laughter throughout , we really do appreciate all the hard work and effort you put into making these events a huge success.”

“A huge Thankyou from the our family, seeing the children so happy and excited has made our Christmas.”

“We really enjoyed ourselves last night on the train of lights it was a magical experience for my sons who both have additional needs and find the lights on the train very sensory stimulating . We are very grateful to Dartmouth steam railway for giving us the experience and also to Annette Solomon for booking our seats on the train of lights . Thank you so much and we look forward to hopefully going again next year.”

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer please call 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or visit our website www.torbay.gov.uk/fostering