A MAJOR NEW CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY
TO RECRUIT MORE FOSTER FAMILIES ACROSS WIRRAL
THE ‘BIG HEART’ campaign, created through work with current foster
carers, is calling on residents from all walks of life to find space in their
home and in their heart to provide local homes, for local children who
need it most.
With more than 830 children in care and not nearly enough foster families
to care for them, Wirral needs at least 40 families each year to provide safe
and stable homes for children who are no longer able to live with their own
families.
There are so many myths that surround who can and who can’t foster,
which means it can be hard for potential carers to actually make “that
decision”… The truth is, almost anyone can apply! Young or old, married
or single, male or female, renting or a homeowner - there really is no such
thing as a typical foster carer.
Our carers come from all sorts of different backgrounds – with one thing in
common; they care about the children they help.
As well as the emotional rewards of providing a safe, local home for a child
or young person, when you foster with Wirral you become part of our
fostering team. You will receive the help, guidance and support you need
right from the start and throughout your fostering career.
This year Wirral Council’s fostering service is asking people to make a
new year’s resolution to do something extraordinary in 2019 - and make a
difference to a child’s life.
Children of all ages need foster homes but there is a huge need for more
carers to consider fostering teenagers. There are currently 195 teenagers in
foster care in Wirral, and without enough foster families willing and able to
offer homes to this group, some children will find themselves living a long
way from family, school and friends.
Alf had always worked with young people, something he had enjoyed and
felt he could pass on skills he had learnt in life, so fostering teenagers was a
perfect choice for him.
“I just love it; it gives you a new lease of life. I am able to pass on skills I’ve
learnt but I’d say I learn lots from the teenagers too” said Alf.
“They keep me young. There’s no other job like Fostering, I’m always
learning something new. The support I’ve received from Wirral Council’s
Fostering team has been second to none, I couldn’t rate them highly
enough. From the first call I made, right through the process and still today,
they have always been there if I have needed them.”
Teenagers need foster carers who are reliable, patient, understanding and
trustworthy but, just as important, someone who will be there to listen and
talk to, someone who can help them organise their lives, deal with feelings,
learn practical skills like cooking, shopping and managing money and
someone who can advise on college courses and help them grow as young
adults.
Sad to say, teenagers who need fostering often get a pretty bad press and
can be massively stereotyped but they can be amazing to be around and
fostering teenagers has some real advantages - for them and for the whole
fostering family.
So, whether it’s the very first time you’ve thought about it or the hundredth,
there are lots of young people in Wirral looking for loving carers just like
you.
We need to recruit more foster carers than ever before – do you have the
heart? To find out more, visit www.wirralfostering.org or call 0151 666
4510.
Teenage years can be difficult for anyone, but for a young person who needs
fostering, it can be especially unsettling.
When current foster carer, Alf retired he was looking for something to keep
him occupied, in addition to working on his allotment! His son suggested
fostering.
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