Regional campaign launched to find more foster carers
Local authorities across the South West are joining together this Christmas to call for more people to consider becoming foster carers.
Published: Monday, 30th November 2020
According to The Fostering Network, there are 6,140 children in care in the South West and 2,650 fostering households, with many more needed.
In Swindon, there are 315 children in care and 92 fostering households currently working with the Council.
Local authorities from Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, and Wiltshire have all come together to run a joint Christmas campaign.
The festive campaign calls for those with space in their home and their lives to consider fostering for their local council to make a difference to children and young people.
A foster carer in Swindon said: “I want every child to feel the magic of Christmas. It’s always a magical time of year and being able to give vulnerable children the chance to feel the love and magic of Christmas makes it a whole lot more special for us.”
Foster carers work with the Council’s Fostering Team to provide the best support and care to children and young people who cannot live with their own families.
The Council runs regular information sessions to give an introduction to the different types of fostering, how the application process works, and the training and support which will be provided. Due to the pandemic, these sessions are being held virtually and dates for upcoming sessions can be found on the Council’s website.
Councillor Mary Martin, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We’re joining this campaign to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers across our region. When you foster for your local council, you are part of a service that is not-for-profit and where every penny is spent on providing a good service to the children and their foster carers.
“We are so grateful to all our foster carers, not only at Christmas but all year round. They make a real difference to the lives of children in our borough.”
Further information about fostering in Swindon, including how to apply, can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering