Published Monday 8 May 2017 at 15:10
Foster carers took part in a family walk to help raise awareness of the need for more carers in Blackburn with Darwen, marking the launch of Foster Care Fortnight.
The sun was shining as foster carers, their children and staff from the Council’s fostering team took part in the ‘walk and talk’ event around Entwistle reservoir on Sunday, May 7.
The event was a great success and enjoyed by all. Foster Carer and Chair of the Foster Carer Association Sharon Burns said ‘it was great to be out in the sunshine with other carers and the team chatting about what we enjoy about being foster carers and encouraging people to think about fostering at the same time. The children had a great time too’.
Foster Care Fortnight started on Monday, May 8 and members of the Lets Foster team and foster carers had information stand in Blackburn’s Mall to encourage more people to think about fostering. Another fostering stand will be next to Boots Monday, May 15 in the Mall for anyone who wants to come and chat about fostering and ask questions.
A radio campaign is also being launched using the voices of real foster carers to celebrate the rewards of fostering.
In Blackburn with Darwen we particularly need carers for older children and sibling groups to prevent brothers and sisters having to live separately.
Linda Clegg, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Children’s services, said:
Fostering a child is an incredibly rewarding experience which truly transforms young people’s lives, as well as the lives of carers.
We need to find more foster homes for Blackburn with Darwen children so that they can stay in their local community, in a safe and loving environment.
She added:
There are children coming into care all the time and while we have many wonderful foster families that we are truly thankful for, we simply need more and would like anybody who has ever thought about fostering to get in touch with us. The message is not to rule yourself out and come and talk to us.
For more information please visit: www.blackburn.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 328 6919.
