Western Isles

COMHAIRLE nan Eilean Siar is looking for foster carers for children and young people who are unable to remain in the care of their birth families.

A spokesperson said: ‘We believe all children have the right to live in a family, but if they are not able to live with their birth family, fostering can provide a positive alternative.

‘ We need foster carers for a range of children, from babies to teenagers, for short weekend breaks to a more permanent “forever” home. We need foster carers from all walks of life and backgrounds, including people who have children and those who don’t.

‘Anyone can be a foster carer as long as they have the qualities, skills and experience required to look after children in care.

‘ We ask that all applicants, single or couples, must be over 21 years old and have a spare room.

‘Applicants do not have to be employed or own their own home.

‘All applicants will be subject to local authority, health, employment and protection of vulnerable groups (PVG) checks.

‘We know that the main motivation for becoming a foster carer is not about the pay but we recognise the valuable contribution that foster carers make to the lives of children and young people who require to be looked after away from home and we reflect this in how we pay and support our carers. We believe that our carers should be properly trained and supported, equipped with the skills and confidence to fully benefit the children in their care.’

Contact the fostering and adoption team on 01851 822748 or email fosterin-gandadoption@cne-siar.gov.uk.

Survey results

THE Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership has been consulting communities throughout the islands looking at feedback to inform the priorities for improvements over the next few years.

As well as the online survey, the group met with residents in two areas to look at the information from the survey in more detail.

Norman A MacDonald, chairman of the planning partnership, said: ‘ We had an excellent response from the community and this was a very worthwhile exercise.

‘It was very clear from the survey results what the main priorities for people are and we will continue to work closely with our communities and partners to ensure that we have a joined-up approach moving forward.’

Details can be found at www.ohcpp.org.uk.