On Tuesday 23 November 2021, Torbay fostering families and parent/carers were “all aboard” the Dartmouth Steam Railway Christmas Train of Lights and enjoyed a magical evening of festive storytelling and enchanting light displays.  

This marked the 2nd successful year of the Christmas Train of Lights experience for Torbay fostering families and parent/carers, with a record number of 700 excited passengers taking part. The event was organised by Torbay Children’s Services to help create magical memories and a shared experience in the run up to Christmas. Due to popular demand, the steam train made two journeys, setting off from Paignton Steam Railway, travelling to Kingswear and back again. The families were on the lookout for magical characters along the journey including snow unicorns and Churston’s very own purple monster.   

Cllr Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Torbay Council, said; “What a heart-warming and inspiring evening. We are so very grateful to receive such kind support from Dartmouth Steam Railway, it really brings to light how important it is to have such generous support from our local businesses. Helping to create happy memories for some of the most vulnerable children in the Bay is such a shining example of community spirit at the start of the festive season.”     

The feedback from the foster and parent/carer families has been overwhelmingly positive from both the young and young at heart. One Torbay foster carer said; “Our little girl absolutely loved every minute; it was a magical experience for her. I think that due to last year’s lockdown she hasn’t really experienced the joy and excitement of Christmas before. This was the perfect start to her first real Christmas.” 

Torbay Children’s Services are still currently looking for a wide range of new foster carers to care for local, vulnerable children who are unable to live with their birth families. Torbay foster carers are financially supported with an allowance to meet the needs of the foster child and receive training and ongoing support from a dedicated fostering Social Worker and an experienced foster carer as a mentor.  

This is the perfect time to make a positive life change with child fostering if you are considering a new work/life balance. If you have flexible working hours, a spare room, and a kind heart, you could become Torbay foster carer. If you would like to find out more please get in touch with Torbay Children’s Services. Telephone: 01803 207845 Email: fostering@torbay.gov.uk