Ballymena stop highlights urgent need for 400 more foster carers across Northern Ireland

Pictured during the Fostering 400 Bike Tour, left – right, are Shauna Garvin (Northern Trust), Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Marie McTaggart (Northern Trust) and foster carer Gareth Irvine, who led the Foster 400 bike tour.

Hundreds of children across Northern Ireland are facing uncertainty as foster care services urgently appeal for at least 400 additional foster carers — with Ballymena becoming one of the key stops in a major awareness tour aimed at encouraging more people to come forward.

The Fostering 400 Bike Tour arrived in Ballymena town centre on Saturday, May 16, bringing together foster carers from across Northern Ireland who are also motorcycle enthusiasts in a bid to shine a spotlight on the growing pressure facing foster care services.

The campaign comes as the number of children living in foster care across Northern Ireland continues to rise, with 3,514 children currently requiring foster placements.

Without enough foster carers, children and young people can face repeated placement moves, longer journeys to school, separation from brothers and sisters, and disruption to friendships, hobbies, and education.

Ballymena stop draws attention to growing pressure on foster care services

The Fostering 400 Bike Tour pictured during its stop in Ballymena.

During the Ballymena visit, bikers gathered at the band stand in the town centre where they were joined by staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s fostering teams, local supporters, and the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford.

The one-day motorcycle tour travelled across Northern Ireland during Foster Care Fortnight, the UK-wide annual campaign organised by The Fostering Network to celebrate foster carers and raise awareness about the positive impact fostering can have on children, families, and communities.

Organisers said the event was designed to create direct conversations with local communities and encourage more people to consider whether fostering could fit into their lives.

Foster carer leading tour says everyday support can change lives

Shauna Garvin from the Northern Trust’s fostering team pictured with foster carer Gareth Irvine, who led the Foster 400 bike tour.

Gareth Irvine, an HSC NI foster carer who led the tour, said the campaign was about helping people better understand the realities of fostering and the difference stable care can make to children and young people.

“I’m passionate about championing fostering and raising awareness of the need for more foster carers right across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“This tour is a great opportunity to meet people face-to-face, answer questions, and share honest experiences of what fostering really involves.

“The simple, everyday things we do as foster carers can make a lasting difference to children’s lives. Helping them feel safe and secure allows them to grow in confidence, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that progress.

“My wife, Natasha, and I do our best to give each child a positive experience of family life while they’re with us, so they feel valued, supported, and cared for.”

Rising demand increasing pressure on placements

The Fostering 400 Bike Tour participants pictured in Ballymena with Marie McTaggart and Shauna Garvin from the Northern Trust’s fostering team and Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Health and Social Care Northern Ireland says the need for foster carers is becoming increasingly urgent as demand for placements continues to grow across all trust areas.

Officials are particularly appealing for foster carers from diverse backgrounds to help reflect the different experiences and needs of children and young people entering care.

Julie Bell, Head of Service for Children’s Services at the Northern Trust, described foster carers as playing a “life-changing role” in supporting vulnerable young people.

“Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and right now we need more people to come forward and open their hearts to fostering,” she said.

“By becoming a foster carer, you can make a real and lasting difference — helping a child or young person to feel loved, secure, valued. It is one of the most important contributions anyone can make to their community.”

Who can become a foster carer?

Marie McTaggart from the Northern Trust’s fostering team pictured with bikers Karl Dunn and Harry Lloyd.

HSC NI says people from a wide range of backgrounds are eligible to foster.

This includes people who are:

• Single or married

• Working or not working

• Homeowners or renters

• Parents or people without children of their own

Officials also stressed that fostering does not always require a full-time commitment, with different types of fostering opportunities available depending on individual circumstances.

Foster carers receive professional support, training, development opportunities, financial allowances, and access to local support networks and family activities.

How to find out more

Anyone interested in learning more about fostering with HSC NI Foster Care can call 0800 0720 137 or visit: adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net.

The campaign continues during Foster Care Fortnight, with organisers hoping increased awareness events like the Ballymena stop will encourage more families and individuals to consider opening their homes to children and young people in need of stability and care.