Fostering Team hit the road to attract more carers during Fostering Fortnight

Monmouthshire County Council Fostering Team will be hitting the road and travelling across Monmouthshire in a bid to attract more carers to look after Monmouthshire children.

Residents are welcomed to stop and have a chat with the team who will be situated next to the councils exhibition trailer in car parks and town centres across the county.

Fostering Fortnight is a National campaign which aims to encourage more people to think about the difference they could make by fostering.
Looked after children numbers are rising across Wales and within Monmouthshire. As a county Monmouthshire urgently needs more people to provide safe, loving and supportive homes for children that are vulnerable and need care.

Foster Care offers many opportunities, from short term, long term or respite care. The team are happy to provide information on all the options in a bid to encourage more people transform the lives of children and young people who need extra care and support. 

The team and bus will be situated in the following locations:

·         Tuesday  15th May            11 am to 1 pm  Caldicot, Market
·         Friday18th May                  11 am to 1 pm  Monmouth, outside Shire Hall
·         Tuesday  22nd May           11 am to 1 pm  Abergavenny, Fairfield Car Park
·         Thursday 24th May             11am to  1pm  Usk, Maryport St North Car Park
·         Friday 25th May                 11 am to 1 pm Chepstow, Welsh Street Car Park

A meet and greet session will take place on Wednesday 30th May at the Bridges Community centre, Monmouth 10.00am – 12.00pm and 7.00pm – 9.00pm for people who would like to find out more or start their journey to transform the lives of babies, children and young people in Monmouthshire. The meet and greet sessions have proved very popular in attracting prospective carers.

Sunshine Radio adverts promoting the Monmouthshire Foster Care team are also being aired during Fostering Fortnight with an aim to reach as many residents as possible.

To celebrate Fostering Fortnight the team are running a 'Spot the Bus' competition throughout May, from Monday 7th May – Thursday 30thMay residents are encouraged to keep a look out for one of the big yellow school buses with the Fostering images on it.

See it, snap it and send it in with the hashtag #MonFoster. Get in touch with the team via Facebook – Monmouthshire, Twitter - @MonmouthshireCC or email family.placement@monmouthshire.gov.uk  The winning post will win and Afternoon Tea for two voucher.

Cllr Penny Jones Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Health said 'Fostering Fortnight is a fantastic campaign which is much needed to raise awareness of our unsung heroes. I urge anyone who is thinking about becoming a carer to pop along and talk to the team. One conversation could start a journey that will transform the lives of babies, children and young people in Monmouthshire.'

For more information about Fostering text FOSTER to 83222, call 01873 735950 or visit http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/fostering