Thurrock Council’s Fostering Team have been bringing fostering to you this month with a range of exciting events across the borough as part of Foster Care Fortnight.

Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from Monday 14 to Sunday 27 May 2018, is a national campaign to raise the profile of fostering, how it transforms lives and its benefits.

The Fostering Team ran drop-in information events at intu Lakeside and Grays Market on the 17 and 18 May to talk with residents about fostering and provide information about the service.

They are also hosting a free open evening at Orsett Hall Hotel on Wednesday 23 May from 6pm to 8pm. A presentation will commence at 6:30pm followed by the opportunity to talk to social workers and current foster carers in Thurrock who will be able to answer any questions as well as talk about; · the process involved in becoming a foster carer · myths of fostering · the types of children who need fostering in Thurrock · what it is like to be a foster carer for Thurrock Council including benefits, training and support · the ways fostering with a local authority differs from independent agencies Cllr Sue Little, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Children's Social Care, said “Foster carers are a special group of people in our community who are doing an incredibly vital job caring for some of the most vulnerable children in the borough.”

“We are looking for more people who have space in their hearts and home to make a difference. The borough has more than 300 looked after children in care, have you ever considered fostering in Thurrock, for Thurrock?”

‘We want to encourage more people from all areas of our community to come forward and talk about the possibility of becoming a foster carer. If you think you might be interested, or know anybody, that would be able to keep a young person safe, teaching them life skills to give them a foundation for their future, please visit our open evening on 23 May or contact the team for an informal chat to find out more.”

Thurrock Fostering Team are always looking for more people who can care for those most in need; it’s an incredibly rewarding thing to do. Full training, support and a generous financial package are provided by Thurrock Council. For more information visit https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/fostering