21st May 2025
This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight is the ‘Power of Relationships’ and this is no more evident than in Lurgan where the community have come together to support and enrich the lives of two children living in foster care in the area.
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Few can think about Lurgan recently and not be impressed by the strides they have made in a number of areas. It has seen a resurgence in community development and resilience that other areas are in awe of. For example, the dominance of Lurgan teams at all levels in Gaelic football in Armagh offers a sense of belonging and vibrancy to communities but there are also other sports clubs, schools and groups of people in Lurgan who present a strong sense of community and an unyielding determination and commitment to support those around them.
HSC NI foster carers, Linda and Jason Foy from Lurgan embody this spirit and are fully committed to ensuring they give back and contribute to the community around them that supports them in their priceless role as foster carers. Ten years ago, they became foster carers in the Southern area and had two brothers placed with them within three days of being approved. The boys remain with them today and they couldn’t imagine their lives without them. Linda reflects on what they get out of it and says “when you know you have done your utmost best for the children and brought them to the level they are at now, it’s amazing!”
Linda and Jason are very modest and typically underplay themselves, choosing instead to focus on the support they get from others. However, this family have a warm and inviting home where everyone is made to feel welcome and their nurturing approach is more than abundant. It could easily be described as a house where ‘the kettle is always on and a friendly ear available’.
In addition to Linda and Jason caring for the two children, Oxford Sunnyside Football Club, Mid Ulster Youth Development, Tannaghmore PS, the local Jiu-Jitsu club and Clann Éireann GAA club also ‘look out’ for the family! There is a famous phrase ‘it takes a village to rear a child’ but in Lurgan there is no doubt they go the extra mile to look after their own and anyone living there now is fortunate to arrive at a time when the area is thriving and full of positive energy.
When Linda and Jason initially began to care for the boys there were some challenges but their continued investment has resulted in two wee boys who are thriving and are an integral part of the Lurgan community. Kevin Creery is a P7 teacher at Tannaghmore PS and coach at Clann Éireann in his spare time. He said: “When the boys came first at age six they probably did find it hard to settle into the rules and routines…I said all they need is to feel a sense of belonging and know that this is their tribe and this is where they should be…if you saw them now, you wouldn’t recognise them.”
The lesson we can take from Lurgan is that everything worthwhile takes work and investment and we all need a sense of belonging and to feel part of a tribe for success and development to occur. The lives of these children and others are significantly enriched by the care that foster care provides but also from the experiences supported by the supporters of foster care.
Here at HSC NI Foster, we strive to find local foster homes for local children. Keeping a child in their local community offers stability in what is already a time a change. Staying at the same school and retaining friendships and hobbies nurtures a child’s sense of identity and supports their emotional wellbeing, ultimately leading to better fostering outcomes.
There is a real need for more people to become involved in fostering so if you think you have room to expand your ‘tribe’, please contact us on 0800 0720 137, complete an online enquiry or send us an email.