A special open day is being held in Carlisle next week to find people with the ‘X Factor’ needed to become a foster carer.
Foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and types, and from different kinds of family groups. The one thing that they all have in common is the desire to provide a loving, stable home that children and young people can grow and thrive in.
Many of Cumbria’s current foster carers are planning to retire –particularly in the Carlisle and Eden areas –so it is crucial that a new generation of caring people find out about the fantastic opportunities becoming a foster carer offers.
Cumbria County Council’s fostering team will be holding an information open day for members of the public on Tuesday 29th January between 10am and 4pm at 15 Portland Square, Carlisle.
A current foster carer says:
"I contacted the fostering team after I had seen a foster carer and thought ‘I could do that’. I have since gone on to foster 49 children. It is so rewarding to see how the children change and develop during their stay. It is such a pleasure when the school or taxi driver comments on the child's progress, knowing you have played a part in that."
Pauline Halfpenny, Assistant Cabinet member for looked after children, says:
"We need to find the next generation of people with the heart to become foster carers. We're looking for people from all walks of life from right around the county. The wider the spread of foster carers across Cumbria, the more likely it is that a child who needs to be fostered can stay in their own community and still go to the same school. Keeping the same friends can be crucial for children to avoid the wrench of having to move miles away from people and places they know."
Anyone interested in attending the open day or requiring more information about being a foster carer can telephone 01228 607078.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332