Local foster carers are being highlighted by Wiltshire Council as part of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, with a series of community events planned across the county to encourage more people to consider fostering.
The council currently looks after around 500 children and young people, many of whom are able to stay close to their schools, friends and support networks thanks to local foster carers. However, more carers are urgently needed, particularly for older children, sibling groups and children arriving in the UK separated from their families.
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, ‘This Is Fostering’, focuses on the realities of day-to-day fostering and the different ways people can support children and young people.
Wiltshire foster carer Tara and her husband began fostering during the pandemic before having children of their own. Although they originally expected to foster younger children, they found themselves supporting teenagers and separated migrant children instead.
Their experience introduced them to new cultures and perspectives and helped reshape their understanding of fostering and family life.
During Foster Care Fortnight, Wiltshire Council’s fostering team will also be visiting communities across the county as part of a ‘fostering road trip’, with informal drop-in sessions planned in Bradford on Avon, Malmesbury, Melksham, Trowbridge, Devizes, Amesbury and Chippenham.
Residents will be able to meet foster carers and social workers, ask questions and find out more about what fostering involves.
An online fostering information event will also take place on 30 May for anyone interested in learning more from home.
Wiltshire Council says people from a wide range of backgrounds and family situations can foster. People can be single, married, working or retired and only need to be over 21, have a spare bedroom and have the time to care for a child or young person.
The council provides foster carers with training, ongoing guidance and dedicated support throughout their fostering journey.
More information is available from Fostering South West.
