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Telford Fostering is coming together to celebrate the incredible contribution of our borough foster carers and to inspire more people to consider fostering with the council to help keep children local. 

At present, there is a need for many more fostering households in Telford and Wrekin, to make sure every child that can’t live with their own family gets the care they need and are well supported within their community.

Throughout Foster Care Fortnight the council is inviting people to find out more about fostering by joining the following events: 

• Facebook Live online event
  Wednesday 15 May 2024 between 2pm and 2.30pm
   
• Walk and Talk event
  Wednesday 15 May 2024 between 6pm and 8pm at The Wrekin
  
  
• Information event
  Thursday 16 May 2024 between 6pm and 7.30pm at Ketley Community Centre
  
  
• Walk and Talk event
  Monday 20 May 2024 between 12noon and 2pm in Telford Town Park.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said:

“As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all foster carers for their unwavering dedication, compassion and love. We are incredibly thankful for everything our foster carers do to provide local children with secure, loving homes where they can thrive and reach their full potential. 

“During the next two weeks, we have lined up some fantastic events and activities for our foster carers to enjoy, including pamper days, guest speaker training events, walking trails, mental wellness sessions and fun activities for their children and young people.

“We are also taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers in Telford and Wrekin. We welcome people from all walks of life to foster, regardless of age, gender, relationship, status or sexual orientation. Even if you can only foster for a few days a month, we encourage you to get in touch with our team, as part-time fostering opportunities are also available in addition to full-time ones.” 

“As a Telford and Wrekin foster carer, you’ll become part of a supportive and valued family and you will receive a range of benefits including generous fees and allowances, training and development opportunities, in-house therapeutic support, permanent support services and many others. 

 “This Foster Care Fortnight is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about fostering with Telford Fostering. Drop by an information session to have a friendly chat with our team, join a virtual event or Facebook live sessions, walk the Wrekin with our foster carers and much more. Visit Telford Fostering website to pick an event or session that works best for you.”

Pauline and Stewart Brownrigg, who are foster carers with Telford & Wrekin, said:

"Being foster parents can be a mixture of emotions, but fundamentally it is very rewarding. Our advice is, if you are thinking of fostering, just go for it, you won't regret it.

“The training, and the support you receive and the time you invest is definitely worth it.

"The care, compassion and even love you show these vulnerable, lost children will in time, change their lives and yours immeasurably. They need routine, stability, care, love and support, but mostly understanding and our trust, if you have these qualities, then the fostering service and these children need you.

“When your foster child gives you a hug or says, " I love you", then you realise this isn't a job, but a vocation and ultimately, it’s about giving them a safe family life and being a FAMILY and making a difference in their lives. Get in touch and make that difference now.”

Visit the Telford Fostering website, to find out about the benefits of becoming a foster carer with Telford Fostering and about the Foster Care Fortnight events and activities.