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Christmas Eve police station encounter inspired mum of five to foster

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A chance meeting with a two-year-old boy at a police station on Christmas Eve sparked one family's journey into fostering, as Suffolk County Council calls for more local residents to consider helping transform the lives of children in care.

Why it matters: In Suffolk alone, around 900 children are currently in care, with many needing foster families to provide them with a stable home environment, particularly during the festive season.

The big picture: While Suffolk County Council already works with more than 400 foster families, it remains the county's largest fostering agency and urgently needs more carers to ensure every child in care can live in a family home.

Foster carer Bev
Bev's decision to foster came after a life-changing encounter while working at a police station

The inspiration: For foster carer Bev, the decision to foster came after a life-changing encounter while working at a police station. When a two-year-old boy arrived with his arrested mother, Bev cared for him until the early hours. With no foster carers available, the toddler had to be taken to a children's home.

"Every Christmas, we look back and think about how many children we've fostered since we realised what a difference our family could make," Bev said. "The best thing about being a foster carer is seeing a child's confidence and happiness increase."

What they're saying: Cllr David Roach, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Fostering and Adoption, said: "Christmas is a magical time for most children, but not for everyone. Many of these children live with amazing foster families, but we need more Foster carers to give more children the family Christmas we want them to have."

What you can do: Foster carers can come from all walks of life. They can:

  • Be over 21 (no upper age limit)

  • Be single or part of a couple

  • Have their own children

  • Own or rent their home

  • Work full-time or part-time

  • Have pets

The bottom line: Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can learn more at www.fostereast.org.uk or call Foster East on 0330 024 1177.

"When a child was brought to the police station on Christmas Eve, he didn't have a home to go to."
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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