Hertfordshire County Council's foster care recruitment drive, the HELP campaign, received a heartwarming welcome in Hitchin last month — thanks to the support of local families and the young volunteer actors who star in its moving promotional videos.

The regional launch event invited residents to learn more about fostering and how everyone can play a part in supporting vulnerable children across Hertfordshire.

The HELP campaign aims to recruit more foster carers and raise awareness about the difference fostering can make. Locals are being encouraged to get involved — whether by sharing social media posts, hosting community talks, distributing leaflets, or simply starting conversations.

Among those attending was Hitchin mum Annabelle and her daughter Isla, one of the young stars featured in the campaign's video series. Annabelle said:

"We're really glad to be part of the HELP campaign and to make a difference."

Isla was joined by fellow young actors Naomi and Evie, who helped bring the campaign's message to life. The children's participation showed that everyone, no matter their age, can help raise awareness in their community.

Adding a creative touch to the event was a unique art project — a community quilt designed by local textile artist Connie Deans-Harding of Maker & Mind. The quilt, stitched with the campaign's central word HELP, began with workshops involving children in foster care, who used sewing and textile art to express what fostering means to them.

At the Hitchin event, Connie led a crafting session where residents added their own words to the quilt — including Empathy, Advocacy, and Love.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, also took part, choosing to add the word Stability. He said:

"Children need firm foundations to grow from. Sadly, some of the children in our care haven't had this in their early lives, but from my interactions with foster care families, I've seen how children have been able to thrive in foster care.

We don't have enough foster carers in Hertfordshire. With around 1,000 children in our care and fewer than 400 foster families, many children who would benefit from a foster home are missing out.

This campaign is vital. By showing the difference fostering can make, we hope more people will consider this rewarding role. And even if fostering isn't something you can do, you can still help — share our campaign, spread the word, and help a local child find a foster family."

To learn more about fostering in Hertfordshire or to download resources to support the HELP campaign in your community, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosterHELP.