A call is going out for new foster carers to help change children’s lives in Salford. The appeal coincides with Foster Care Fortnight which began on Monday and will run until May 28.
The fortnight is a UK-wide foster care awareness-raising campaign led by charity The Fostering Network. Salford city council is using the fortnight to highlight how important foster carers are and how rewarding a role it is, as well as recruit new foster carers. There are currently not enough foster carers available in the right location, at the right time to meet the needs of the children in care, both in Salford and across the UK, say town hall bosses.
This means some children do not have all their needs met or have to live far away from everything familiar to them. The theme of this year’s campaign is #FosteringCommunities. People can get behind the campaign by sharing their support on social media, using #FCF23 and #FosteringCommunities.
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City mayor Paul Dennett said: “Our foster carers play a vital role in giving vulnerable children safe, loving and supportive homes so they can have positive futures. They, and our foster for Salford team, go above and beyond to support and give back to our local community and our most vulnerable young people.
“We want to use this fortnight to celebrate how foster carers, and the people who support them, transform lives. We encourage everyone in Salford to show their support and help raise the profile of fostering and its transformational power in Salford’s communities.”
As well as attending events to promote fostering to the public, the council’s Foster for Salford team will be holding the following events where people can come and ask any questions about fostering:
- Friday May19 – There will be an Advan (mobile advertising van) in Salford and anyone is welcome to visit to find out more about fostering. The events will be at Tesco Extra, Irlam 11am to 12.30pm and Morrisons, Eccles 1 to 3.30pm.
- Tuesday May 23 - 4.30pm to 8pm, Salford Suite, Salford Civic Centre, Swinton. The fostering team and foster carers say they will be happy to answer any questions. The team is looking for four foster carers to support children supported by the council’s Route 29 team. The children the Route 29 team work with are aged 12 and above, who are at risk of coming into care and need short-term help, while their families are being supported.
- Thursday May 25 - 10am to 2.30pm, Woodland Suite, Buile Hill Park. The fostering team and foster carers will be available to offer information on fostering and answer questions. This event is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about fostering generally and information will be available on all the different types.
There are two online events where anyone can join to find out information about fostering and ask questions.
- Wednesday May 17 - online event 1pm to 2.30pm
- Friday May 26 - online event 10.30am to 12pm
People are being encouraged to book a time to speak to someone, but they can also drop-in. To book on either the in-person, or online events, and for more information, email: emily.garner@salford.gov.uk
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