Could you help a Slough young person achieve their dreams?
Slough Borough Council will be hosting events over the next two weeks for Foster Care Fortnight, from May 12 to May 25.
Could you give a loving home to a foster child? The fortnight will focus on finding foster carers to look after teenagers in the Slough - the biggest group of children in the care system, and younger children.
In Slough alone, there are currently 40 children who have had to be placed outside the borough, due to shortages.
This means they are away from their schools and familiar surroundings, because there are not enough foster carers in Slough.
On Saturday, May 17, the foster care team from the council will be in the Queensmere between 10am and 4pm to give out advice and information to people wishing to become, or find out more, about being a foster carer.
Anyone can become a carer.
You can be single, married, with or without children and can be renting or owning your own home. The important thing is that you can offer support, guidance and a positive family environment to help children feel secure and valued for however long they are living in your home.
In Slough we have children from varied racial and cultural backgrounds who need foster care families. Many are white or are of mixed parentage with African, Caribbean or Asian Muslim heritage. We recognise that children often do best in families that reflect their heritage, and we therefore welcome enquiries from people of these backgrounds.
Tina Ryan, fostering team manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “The two weeks will really help to highlight the need for more carers in Slough
“We know that children in care can benefit enormously from the chance to experience a caring and stable family life. Over the next few weeks we will be asking local people: Could you take on the challenge of fostering.
“I hope this campaign allows local people to realise they really could have the basic qualities needed to become great foster carers and I urge people to come along to the Queensmere or call us to find out more.
“Anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer will receive help every step of the way from the council.”
For more information, please contact the foster team 0800 073 0291, email familyplacement@slough.gov.uk
Slough Borough Council