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Find out what it’s like to be a foster carer over a cuppa at an event tomorrow.
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 Holyoak Community Centrein Chester-le-Street, between 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday 17 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 with 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 Sue Ellis said: “I decided to become a foster carer when I saw first hand the difference that it can make to a child’s life.
“My sister was a foster carer and our children had grown up so I decided to find out more.
“Our coffee morning is a great way to meet some foster carers and find out what it’s like to care for children and young people.
“We care for the children 24/7 so we are the people they often turn to with their worries.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about fostering to come along and meet some foster carers to hear what it’s all about, you can ask questions and we can tell you about the help that’s available.”
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