Did you know, we have a special tree planted outside Reading’s Town Hall? It was planted on 17 February 2020 and we celebrate these day every year with our young people in care. Perhaps you could make a visit to the tree?

Here’s the story of why it was planted:

When a 14-year-old boy moved to his permanent foster home last year, he came up with an idea to help himself – and others like him – keep their roots in Reading.

As an active member of Brighter Futures for Children’s Children in Care Council, he suggested a tree would help him, and others just like him, feel ‘rooted’ in the town.

He wanted a tree that would ‘grow fast and tall, live a long time and have pinky white blossom that would flutter down in the wind.’

Catie Blundell, Brighter Futures for Children’s participation officer, wanted to make this happen for him and others like him, so she worked in partnership with Ethical Reading and its innovative Trees for Reading initiative.

Since the tree was planted, we have renewed our search for local foster carers so we can help Reading’s young people to stay rooted in the town. To learn more, give us a call on 0118 469 3020 or contact us.