|
Lights out
across Southport for foster care campaign
PEOPLE across Southport
are being called on to switch off their lights for one minute on Thursday, 24
November 2016, at 8.30pm, as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the need for more
foster carers in the North West of England.
Children's charity CANW (Child Action Northwest) is hoping to turn the lights
out right across the North West to symbolise the light and love missing from the
lives of more than 1200 children in care across the region.
CANW, which provides foster care, targeted youth support and emotional health
services in the borough, is asking Southport residents to film themselves taking
part in the event and post their videos on social media to show their support.
Statistics show that more than 1200 new 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.
It's hoped the light switch off, which symbolises the light and love missing
from the lives of more than 1200 children in care across the region, will
encourage people to think about whether they could be a foster carer.
The event is being supported by some of the region's best loved buildings and
local churches including the Liver Building, Port of Liverpool, the Blackpool
Tower and the dome of intuTrafford centre.
Sue Cotton, CEO of CANW said:- "Last year our 1200 Lights campaign turned
out the lights on some landmark buildings in the North West, and we're delighted
that many more, including Carlisle Cathedral, Bolton Football Club and the Port
of Liverpool Building have agreed to join us for this year's event. But we
also want everyone at home to join in and turn out their lights for one minute
to show their support. We've set up the hashtag #1200Lights on Twitter and
Facebook, and are asking people to turn off their lights on 24th November to
pledge their support. We're hoping people will film their pledge and post the
video on social media so we'll be able to see the lights switch off right across
the region."
The lights switch off, which is timed for 8.30pm on Thursday 24 November will
coincide with the climax of a fundraising concert at Blackburn Cathedral, which
will fall into darkness as the final note is sung.
To find out more about how to join in the #1200lights switch off, can be found
online. |
