A short break/holiday?
it’s more than that!
ESFCA run up to three residential weekends each year using PGL activity centres. These are more than a few days holiday though as they help create confidence, resilience and a positive attitude by taking the children through a series of activities and experiences. These activities take the children out of their comfort zones by enabling them to face their fears. The child that emerges from the weekend is confident, proud and growing in resilience.
There are three aims of the PGL trips:
To build the children’s self-esteem and confidence.
To create positive childhood memories.
For social workers & carers to be able to build stronger relationships with the children.
Christmas Party
Every year the children get to attend a Christmas party. This event is an opportunity for them to create happy memories with their foster families and siblings. They enjoy music, games and food together and there’s even a visit from Santa himself!
The Pantomime
Families get a chance to attend the Pantomime at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre in January each year. This is one of our most popular trips as it allows the children to submerge themselves in the make believe world of the theatre with their families. The interactive experience provides a wonderful scenario where, with every cheer and laugh, the bonds between the children and their families strengthen and memories are made.
JAMIE’S FARM
In July 2022, we took a group of siblings who have been separated in the system to a residential at Jamie’s Farm. This was to help them build on their relationships and to spend quality time together getting stuck into nature. Jamie’s Farm are focused on helping children’s self esteem, building on their teamwork and increasing their confidence so this opportunity was perfect for this group of Young People. It was a wonderful few days full of lessons and enjoyment working with animals to help a farm function in the way it should. They were able to cook, pick vegetables, plant new ones, feed the pigs, have a go at sheep shearing and much more.
OTHER EVENTS
As well as the aforementioned events, we also provide performing arts projects, therapeutic support and day trips such as the zoo, theme parks, museums and sporting events.
The ESFCA also aid the Young People Who Foster council, Children in Care Council and the Through Care team who support teenagers leaving the care system to be independent.
