Five Rivers Child Care, one of the UK’s most experienced practitioners in turning around the lives of vulnerable children has teamed up with Exeter City to help increase awareness of the fostering opportunities available in the local area.
With Exeter being one of their 22 locations, Five Rivers have taken out an advert in the matchday programme ‘the Grecian’, a billboard in the stadium which is seen by 100,000 supporters throughout a season, and become official club shop sponsors, which provides a link back to their website. They also plan to hold promotional activities at two of the remaining home matches of the 2018/19 season.
Since 1989 Five Rivers has been helping children rediscover their childhood. Their purpose as a social enterprise is to help them recover from neglect, abuse, trauma or family breakdown.
Fiver Rivers aim is to turn their lives around, so they can flourish and fulfil their potential. Innovative, expert and creative, they are a leader in this field and one of England’s most experienced providers. The fostering arm of the organisation recruits, trains and supports foster carers to provide safe and caring homes for children and young people who are unable to live with their natural families.
Their ethos as a social enterprise means that they make considerable re-investment into the service as they want the children they support today to become the great citizens of tomorrow. Five Rivers ask their partners where possible to support children in care through offers of interviews (even if the young person does not have the necessary academic qualifications due to interrupted education) and meaningful work experience.
Speaking about the partnership, the local team manager said: “We are delighted to be working with Exeter City FC whose own family-centred approach is an excellent fit with our values.
“Football represents team work, good health and a positive mental attitude. Its supporters are loyal, dedicated and (unfortunately) know how to manage disappointment! They also know how to celebrate success!
“These are some of the characteristics that make great parents and foster carers and we look forward to our working relationship together. Look out for us at a couple of home games this season. We look forward to meeting you.”
Matt Kimberley of the commercial team at Exeter City added: “We are delighted to have teamed up with Five Rivers to help with promoting the important fostering opportunities that are available in our local area. If you see them at an upcoming match at the Park, please do stop by and speak to them.”
To find out more about Five Rivers, please visit: www.five-rivers.org.