Stepping up to help children in need
Foster carers recruitment campaign is a success
There has been a sevenfold increase in enquiries about fostering thanks to a campaign aimed at bringing new carers to the service.
During Foster Care Fortnight last month, carers shared their inspirational stories to help spread the word on their rewarding role, while a series of drop-in events also helped increase its visibility.
Renfrewshire Council is aiming to raise the number in its foster care family from 81 to 100 and the campaign to boost numbers continues.
Councillor Jim Paterson, Education and Children’s Services convener, said: “There was a great response to our campaign to make the role more visible, but the work very much carries on.
“If you think becoming a foster carer may be for you then we absolutely still want to hear from you.
“Our existing foster carers can talk you through every step and have incredible stories to share, but what comes through is that they are ordinary people just like you and me who have taken on an extraordinary role.
“If you want to help change the life of a child or young person for the better, please get in touch.
“By boosting the number of foster care family we can ensure that we give all our cared for children and young people the best possible start in life.”
Nicola Hanvey started fostering when she was still working full time to see how it fitted in with family life.
She and her husband Fraser followed in the footsteps of his parents,who were also foster carers. The couple have cared for 12 foster children in the past and currently look after two youngsters.
Nicola said: “It’s great to hear the campaign has resulted in more enquiries but that doesn’t stop here.
“If you think you have something to offer, then pick up the phone.
“You’ll be guided every step of the journey and can end up making a huge difference to a child’s life.
“I also like working from home and as part of a team. I get involved in any training opportunities I can and I attend the support group for foster carers. We meet once a month and it’s important to get that support from people who understand the job.”
If you are over 21, have a spare room and are in good health, you can apply to help make a difference to a child’s life.
Children and young people of all ages need carers who will help them feel wanted, valued and safe.
As a foster carer, you can be in work or unemployed, be single, married, or in a same sex or heterosexual relationship, and can own or rent the property you live in.
You will receive advice, specialist training and peer support, as well as an allowance.
Express readers interested in more detail can call the team at Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 1199 or email
There was a great response to our campaign to make the role more visible