At Hull Fostering, we know that sometimes it’s the smallest moments that bring the biggest smiles. That’s why we’re so excited to launch a creative competition just for the children in your care
To celebrate the joy, the laughter, and the little things that make life brighter.
The Theme: “What Makes You Smile?” (related to foster care)
Whether it’s their foster sibling, their favourite tea, or a walk with the dog – we want to hear it, see it, or read it!
Young people can take part by creating something simple and meaningful:
- A drawing
- A photo
- A few short words, a sentence, a poem
- singing a song - the options are endless
We’d love for carers to support their young people in submitting entries – it can be a lovely activity to do together and a great way for children to express how they feel.
Deadline for entries: Saturday 2nd August 2025
How to enter:
➤ Email the entry to us at fostering@hullcc.gov.uk
➤ Hand it in at the Charity Ice Hockey Match on 2nd August to Laura Gawthorpe
➤ Or give it to your fostering social worker before the deadline
Judging: Will take place during the week of 5th–9th August, led by a friendly panel made up of Hull Fostering staff (including me!), foster carers, and young people from the Kingston Reapers Ice Hockey Team.
Winner announcement: Live on the main stage at Foster Fest, Sunday 17th August 2025 (don’t worry – the winner doesn’t have to attend to win).
The Prize – A Brand-New PlayStation 5
We are absolutely thrilled to share that the winner of this competition will receive a brand-new PlayStation 5 – a prize that we know will mean the world to one lucky young person.
And we want to give a huge and heartfelt thank you to John Thackery, who generously gifted us this incredible prize. John has personal experience of being in foster care himself, and wanted to give something back to young people walking a similar path. His kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.
Thanks to John’s close ties with the Kingston Reapers Ice Hockey Team, we’ve been able to bring this whole competition to life — combining community spirit, sport, and creativity to celebrate our amazing young people.
The Reapers and John have helped us show children in care that they are seen, valued, and celebrated — and we are beyond grateful for their support.
A Quick Reminder: Who Can Enter
This competition is open only to children and young people with care experience who are fostered or living with a Hull Fostering foster carer or supported lodgings provider.
And it’s important to say:
The PlayStation 5 will belong to the young person.
If they move on to a new home or return to their birth parents in the future, the console goes with them. This prize is theirs – a token of their voice, their creativity, and their brilliance.
We believe in celebrating young people’s voices. Often, children with care experience have the most unique ways of seeing the world – and their moments of joy deserve to be seen and celebrated. This competition gives them that platform.
It’s not about being the best artist, photographer, or writer – it’s about authenticity. We just want to hear from them in whatever way feels right.
So carers — we’d love your help encouraging entries. Whether it’s something your little one scribbles while chatting to you, or a carefully thought-out photo from a teenager — it all counts.
If you have any questions, need support with entries, or want to chat more about the judging panel, feel free to contact me directly.
Let’s see what makes our young people smile
And once again – a massive thank you to the Kingston Reapers for helping make this possible.
Warm wishes,
Laura