A CARING couple are urging members of the public to consider fostering.

Pearl and Nigel Hakes, of Danbury, have first-hand experience helping to transform the lives of children and are supporting Essex County Council’s drive to find 100 new foster carers.

The annual awareness campaign Foster Care Fortnight is run by the Fostering Network.

Throughout the campaign, Essex County Council is staging information events where foster carers like Pearl and Nigel can present their case.

Pearl and Nigel, who have five grown-up children between them, decided to foster when they were in their mid-fifties about 11 years ago.

They foster through the council’s fostering service, which is seeing the number of children requiring a home growing steadily.

The family decided to look after children with disabilities and chose to offer respite care to see if they liked it.

Their passion for the job took them by surprise and they soon asked to foster children on a long-term basis.

They now look after two children with learning disabilities.

Pearl said: “We love life with them.

“It’s hard work but also very rewarding.

“Things they do you would probably take for granted with another child, but for us it is quite a big deal.

“The county council gives you a lot of support and training and there are carer groups you can access.

“We think it’s the better option to foster through the council rather than an outside agency because of this support.

“It is such a rewarding career but if you are on the cusp of deciding, at least try respite or short-term care because it gives you a feel of what is right for you.”

There are now 1,070 children in foster care in Essex and this number has been increasing for the past two years.

Council fostering team manager Corrie Castleman said: “We need more people to welcome a child into their family as every vulnerable child in Essex needs a safe, supportive and fun-loving home to inspire our children to become well-adjusted young adults that can positively contribute to society.

“You could make a difference to a child’s life. Please contact our friendly team to answer any concerns you may have. Don’t just think you will not be suitable or needed.”

For details, visit essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering.