Foster families in North Yorkshire have attended award-winning stand-up comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean’s latest show as she has revealed she has herself helped to give a young person a new start in life.
Kiri’s career has seen her hosting the Live at the Apollo comedy night, fronting the Radio 4 panel show, Best Medicine, and starting a new comedy school - and she has now become a foster parent herself.
While she had previously not spoken on stage about fostering, she decided to open up to audiences during a show earlier this year.
And Kiri has now given fostering families free tickets to shows in North Yorkshire for her Peacock UK tour as a thank you for all the work they have done to give help young people make a fresh start.
Our executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, added: “It’s great to see a renowned and much-loved comedian like Kiri highlighting how important it is for every child to grow up in a safe family environment.
“Fostering North Yorkshire currently has 300 active fostering households looking after children in care.
“However, more children are coming into care and there is a national shortage of carers across the UK. So, we do need more foster carers right now.”
She added: “It takes someone who cares about children to become a great foster carer and we welcome people from all walks of life. It’s life experience that counts and a willingness to make a difference through the highs and lows.”
Kiri is fostering for Foster Wales and is promoting the service during her UK tour.
She is aiming to help increase awareness of foster care and challenge false perceptions around what it takes to be a foster carer.
As she candidly shares her fostering journey during the performances, it is hoped that people will recognise skills and qualities in themselves and consider putting in an enquiry to foster.
North Yorkshire is the only county in in the country to host two shows, which have been directed by Adam Drake. The first performance was at the Georgian Theatre in Richmond on 4 September and the second show will be at Harrogate Theatre on 12 October.
Having enjoyed the show in Richmond, a North Yorkshire foster family, said: “What can I say, but what a night.
“It was so true to how things are with fostering social care and put across as it is, even down to the first aid training. I can still feel my cheeks from laughing so much.
“Fingers crossed that we get more foster carers across the country on the back of her performances.”
Our assistant director for children and families, Mel Hutchinson, added: “It’s amazing that Kiri has been able to embrace the spotlight and share her real views about what it takes to be a foster carer.
“Some of the families from Fostering North Yorkshire who attended the first show were extremely grateful that she shared an honest account. They thoroughly enjoyed the night. We were also invited to have an exhibition at the interval of both shows and we’re grateful for Kiri’s support.”