Social media ‘foster drive’

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The council have said that they want to reach out to people who may have thought about fostering but aren’t sure how it would fit into their lives.

Carers in the city will take to Twitter and Facebook for two weeks in June to share their experiences.

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years at Nottingham City Council, said: “Our dedicated foster carers are everyday people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

“They have the space in their homes and their hearts to provide the care which looked-after children in Nottingham so desperately need.

“I am proud of the hard work which is being done to care for children in Nottingham.

“However, with so many children currently in need of care in Nottingham and long-term foster carers retiring from fostering, it is vital that we make a special effort to reach out to potential new carers.”

From June 1, carers and fostering teams in Nottingham will give potential new carers all the information they need to decide whether fostering is for them.

This recruitment campaign runs alongside the national Foster Care Fortnight (June 1-14), which is promoted by The Fostering Network charity.

As well as social media, events are being held where foster carers will be available to answer any questions people may have.

Sheila Richards has been fostering teenagers and siblings for nine years.

She said: “I think everyone should do it, It is nerve wracking and you need to be a good listener, and showing love and affection are important.

“Even if they don’t always show it when they’re with me, they often come back and tell me what a difference I’ve made.

“It’s a brilliant feeling.”