Lights out for foster carers
Iconic buildings set for blackout to raise awareness on need for foster carers in the region.
Some of the region's most iconic buildings will be plunged into darkness tonight (Friday 20th November) to mark a mass shortage of Foster carers.
The Liver building and Goodison Park's floodlights, will join Blackpool Tower as just a few of the floodlit buildings in the North West that will fall into momentary darkness as part of 1200 Lights, a campaign by children’s charity CANW (Child Action Northwest) to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers in the region.
Statistics show that an extra 1200 foster families are needed in the North West this year alone - more than in any other region in the country, and almost as many as Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East put together. CANW, who run foster care services across the North West, hope that the symbolic switch off will encourage more people to consider fostering and help to bring light into the lives of hundreds of children across the region who are in need of a loving home.
Sue Cotton, CEO of CANW said: “It’s shocking to think that the North West needs more foster carers than anywhere else in the country, but more than a thousand extra places are required to meet the current demand. “In the run up to Christmas we all look forward to the light, life and love we share with family and friends. By turning off the floodlights and decorative exterior lights on some of our best loved buildings we hope to make people think about the youngsters who don’t have the bright, welcoming light of family in their lives, and to encourage them to consider fostering.”
The switch off, which is timed for 8.30pm on Friday 20th November will coincide with the end of a fundraising concert at Blackburn cathedral, which will fall into darkness as the final note is sung.