Herald - Issue 417

6th January 2022 • The HERALD • Page 11 v SHOP LOCALLY FOR SERVICE & VALUE v PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL 0238001 4269 Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH NEW COPY TO COME BLUE SKY THINKING Local Fostering Agency Welcomes e Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation as part of commitment to inclusivity. Hampshire-based Blue Sky Fostering teamed up with Doreen Lawrence OBE, founder of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to deliver an equality and diversity forum for its Foster Carers and sta , honouring its commitment to inclusivity. During a keynote presentation and Q&A, Baroness Lawrence discussed how she has helped engage people who might hold di erent views, and shared how she has overcome adversity and shaped the world we live in. Regional Operations Manager and Equality and Diversity O cer for Blue Sky Fostering, Leila Stroud, said: “George Floyd’s murder brought the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront of people’s minds globally, prompting many companies, including Blue Sky, to issue a position statement. Keen to not lose momentum in challenging racism, and promoting diversity and inclusion as a whole, Blue Sky launched a working group of staff and carers. The aim of this group is to ensure we are inclusive, welcoming and challenging for our staff, carers, children and wider communities. As an LGBT+ member of staff, diversity and representation are important to me. I want to work somewhere I feel included, and where our differences are appreciated, celebrated and all staff, carers and young people are safe from harassment. The Diversity Forum is one way in which Blue Sky aim to do this, providing a platform for people within the LGBT+ community as well as other minorities to discuss what changes could and should take place.” Director of Blue Sky Fostering, Amanda Mills, said: “At Blue Sky Fostering, we want all our children and young people, our families and our colleagues to work together to ensure children have a safe and happy childhood. However, we know that children and families from black, Asian and minority backgrounds face greater challenges in their childhoods and life chances. To address this inequity, we work hard directly with these children and families to provide a full range of opportunities and support into adulthood and beyond. We do this for all our children and families, but it is crucial for those who face racism and prejudice.” Blue Sky Fostering is looking for a diverse range of Foster Carers in the Hampshire area to meet the needs of the rising number of young people needing a foster family. Have you thought about becoming a Foster Carer? Get in touch with Blue Sky Fostering by visiting: www.blueskyfostering. com or calling: 0800 035 6499. Could you offer a helping hand? Gateway IT for All On Monday afternoons from 1.30pm-3.30pm , providing IT tuition and help mostly on an individual basis depending on the client. e volunteer tutors have a huge range of skills between them and can help with word processing, database, le management, photo storage, internet access and online safety issues, as well as general help. Laptops/iPad can be provided but they hope you will be able to bring your own. All this for just £3 per session and no need to book. Come in and see our stylish range Tables, dressers, mirrors, lamps, home fragrance, coasters, art, giftware and lots more! 023 8084 4472 • beashomeltd@gmail.com Bea’s Home, 50 Pylewell Road, Hythe SO45 6AQ Quality furniture to suit every pocket SALE NOW ON