Event for people to find out more about fostering
A SPECIAL event is being held for anyone who wants to know more about the rewarding role of fostering.
Foster carers work alongside the council supporting cared for children to achieve their full potential in safe and secure environments; providing the stable and loving homes that children need.
The event is being held at the Royal Toby in Castleton on Thursday, September 26 from 4-8pm, where anyone interested in fostering can find out more about it and hear from current foster carers and council staff about the approval process and what the role involves.
Councillor Kieran Heakin said: “Our foster carers are truly tremendous in the support, stability and love they give to our cared for children, we are so grateful to them. However, we always need more foster carers, so if you’ve been thinking it over come and chat to our team at this information session. We understand that it is a huge decision to be a foster carer that’s why events like this are invaluable, our friendly team will chat through any questions you have.”
Foster carers Keiron and Tracey began their fostering journey at the Royal Toby information event last year. They attended in September, applied in October, and became approved foster carers in June. They now have two siblings living with them and are encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
Keiron said: “We went to the event on a whim after thinking about fostering on and off for years. We had been to other events in the past but didn’t feel ready for the next step. We were nervous not knowing what to expect but the team made us feel welcome and at ease, explaining what the event was about and answered all our queries and concerns.”
Tracey added: “The opportunity to speak with existing carers was a real bonus and made all the difference. In fact it was this which gave us the courage to see the process through. Seeing real people and hearing their stories made us see that we could make a real difference to children in care. It just seemed all the stars aligned at just the right time.”
If you’re over 21 and have a spare room then the fostering team would love to see you at the information event. Visit rochdale.gov.uk/fostering for more information, call 0300 303 1000 or email enquire@ fosteringforrochdale.co.uk