Find out what it’s like to be a foster carer while enjoying a cuppa at an event next week.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight which runs nationally from 16 to 29 May, carers across the UK are organising coffee mornings to give members of the public the opportunity to find out more about what it’s like to foster.
In County Durham, carers have arranged a coffee morning at Horden Centennial Centre in Horden, Peterlee, between 10am and 12pm on Wednesday 23 May.
There are lots of reasons why children need foster carers, often it’s because of problems at home and the youngsters need someone to look after them while social workers and other professionals are working with their family.
The coffee morning, supported by Durham County Council’s fostering service, gives people the opportunity to meet foster carers to hear about their experiences of caring for children.
Anyone attending can learn about the different types of foster care and how they can get started.
Carers can also explain the range of professional support and training that’s available to help people develop skills and experience.
Foster carers are needed to care for children from a few nights, weeks, months or for the rest of their childhood supporting them into adulthood.
County Durham foster carer Bev Halliman said: “I decided to become a foster carer as I work with children and wanted to do more.
“I don’t have children of my own and was looking for something more fulfilling in life.
“Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences of all – seeing a child happy and the difference you can make to their life.
“Our coffee morning is a great way for people to find out more about fostering and understand what’s involved.
“I’m happy to chat with people about the different types of fostering and how you can start a career as a foster carer.”
Foster Care Fortnight is a national campaign to raise awareness of fostering and the need for more foster carers.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the council’s fostering service on 03000 269 400 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering