Fostering 400 Bike Tour comes to Ballymena

The Fostering 400 Bike Tour stopped off in Ballymena on Saturday (May 16), aiming to raise awareness of the urgent need for at least 400 additional foster carers to support children/young people who require foster care.

The exciting event brought together foster carers who are also motorcycle enthusiasts, using the tour to engage with communities and highlight the vital role foster care plays in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people.

The one-day tour of Northern Ireland took place during Foster Care Fortnight (May 11-24), The Fostering Network’s UK‑wide annual campaign that celebrates fostering and showcases the positive impact it has on children, families, and communities.

During their stop at the band stand in Ballymena town centre, the bikers were met by colleagues from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s fostering teams, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, and local supporters.

Gareth Irvine, an HSC NI foster carer who led the tour, said: “I’m passionate about championing fostering and raising awareness of the need for more foster carers right across Northern Ireland. This tour is a great opportunity to meet people face‑to‑face, answer questions, and share honest experiences of what fostering really involves.

“The simple, everyday things we do as foster carers can make a lasting difference to children’s lives. Helping them feel safe and secure allows them to grow in confidence, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that progress. My wife, Natasha, and I do our best to give each child a positive experience of family life while they’re with us, so they feel valued, supported, and cared for.”

There are currently 3,514 children living in foster care in Northern Ireland, with numbers continuing to rise. As demand increases, HSC NI Foster Care is appealing for more people to consider fostering, particularly foster carers from diverse backgrounds who can reflect the needs and experiences of the children/young people requiring care.

Without sufficient foster carers, children and young people may face multiple moves, have to travel longer distances to school, face separation from siblings, or disruption to their friendships, education, hobbies and interests.

Julie Bell, the Northern Trust’s Head of Service for Children’s Services said: ““Foster carers play a life-changing role in the lives of children and young people who need stability, care and understanding.

“Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and right now we need more people to come forward and open their hearts to fostering.

“By becoming a foster carer, you can make a real and lasting difference – helping a child or young person to feel loved, secure, valued – it is one of the most important contributions anyone can make to their community.”

People from a wide variety of backgrounds can foster, including those who are single or married, who work or not, homeowners or renters, and those with or without children of their own. There are different types of fostering opportunities available, meaning fostering does not always require a full‑time commitment.

HSC NI foster carers receive ongoing professional support, tailored training and development opportunities, as well as financial allowances and access to local support networks and family activities.

To find out more about fostering with HSC NI Foster Care, call 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net

20th May 2026