09/05/2024 - Permalink

Foster Care Fortnight 2024: join Shropshire’s biggest family and make a difference to children’s lives

Related topics: Children's services

To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight (Monday 13 May to Sunday 26 May 2024), Shropshire Fostering is holding a series of events across the county to encourage more people to consider fostering.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, organised by The Fostering Network. It aims to showcase the commitment, passion, and dedication of foster carers and the positive impact they have on the lives of children and young people in care.

Shropshire Fostering, the fostering service of Shropshire Council, is supporting the national campaign to highlight the need for more foster carers in the county and fostering and help people discover how they can make a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

A person and a child

Fostering

There are currently over 700 children and young people in care in Shropshire, and many of them need a stable, loving, and supportive home with foster carers who can help them grow and thrive.

The fostering events offer people the opportunity to meet the fostering team, learn more about the role and the benefits of fostering, and ask any questions they may have. All events are free and open to anyone who is interested in fostering or wants to find out more.

Events schedule

  • Monday 13 May – Info session – Tesco Extra, Shrewsbury – 11am- 1pm
  • Thursday 16 May – Shropshire Local, The Darwin centre, Shrewsbury – 11am-1pm
  • Friday 17 May – Coffee morning – Apley on the High Street, Bridgnorth – 10am-midday
  • Monday 20 May – Info session – Tesco Extra, Shrewsbury – 11am-1pm
  • Wednesday 22 May – Virtual session – MS Teams – 6pm (one hour)
  • Friday 24 May – Coffee morning – Dobbies Restaurant, Shrewsbury – 11am-1pm.

For those who prefer to meet the team online, there will also be a virtual session on Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 22 May, at 6pm. This session will provide an overview of the fostering process, the support and training available, and the different types of fostering.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:-

” If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be part of Shropshire’s biggest family, now is your chance to find out! Join us for our informative events during Foster Care Fortnight 2024 and discover how you can make a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

“Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to celebrate our amazing foster carers. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the growing need for more foster carers in our region, especially for older children, sibling groups, disabled children, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

“We are looking for people from all walks of life, who have a spare room and a big heart, to join Shropshire’s biggest family and help us provide the best possible care for our children in need. If you are interested in fostering or want to find out more, please come along to one of our events or get in touch with our friendly team. We would love to hear from you.”

Whether you are single, married, retired, or working, you could have what it takes to be a foster carer and help a child achieve their potential. Come and meet our friendly fostering team and get all your questions answered. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the rewarding role of fostering and how you can get involved. Book your place today and start your journey to becoming part of Shropshire’s biggest family.

To book a place at one of the events, visit Foster Care Events | Fostering Information | Shropshire Fostering or call 0800 783 8798.

To find out more about fostering in Shropshire, visit Foster Care In Shropshire | Shropshire Fostering | Home or call 0800 783 8798.