Olive Branch Fostering Celebrates New Office and Diversity Day

Olive Branch Fostering recently celebrated the Grand Opening of their new offices at Hurstwood Court in Rawtenstall. 

The agency had been based at Hardmans Mill since 2017, but needed a larger home due to ever-increasing business and is now the proud occupier of a suite of rooms at Hurstwood Court.  The Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Councillor Andrew Walmsley and Mrs Pat Smith officially opened the premises and stayed for lunch, photos and chat with Olive Branch staff, carers and children.

On Saturday 20^th May, Olive Branch also held their first Diversity Day, welcoming carers and their children and young people to get together and take part in a variety of activities. These included henna art and face painting, international links and locations, an art area, flag designing and a Bubble Tea stand.  One of Olive Branch’s young people gave a presentation on his birth language, and UASC champion Gulwali Passarlay handed out signed copies of his book The Lightless Sky.   Everyone joined in with a Bollywood dance workshop and a Chinese lion dance workshop held in the sunny courtyard and afterwards enjoyed food from around the world provided by carers and staff.

Area manager Lucille Sharpe said, ‘Marking international diversity day at Olive Branch on 20.05.23, was such a memorable event, which recognised that diversity is the one thing that we all have in common and should be celebrated every day!  Seeing our families, children and young people all coming, to celebrate unity and inclusivity was truly magical!’