According to the Fostering Network, there is a national shortage of almost 10,000 fostering households across the UK this year alone. Foster Portsmouth is holding a drop-in information session for people interested in fostering, to support more vulnerable children in and around Portsmouth.
The drop-in session will take place at Portsmouth Football Club next Thursday 20 October from 7pm – 9.30pm. The event will provide an opportunity to meet some current foster carers, chat with the council’s friendly and approachable fostering team, and learn more about becoming a foster carer including carer allowances, training, and the comprehensive support available.
Portsmouth City Council’s Deputy Group Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, Cllr Suzy Horton, stated:
“We’re dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Portsmouth. To meet the diverse needs of children coming into foster care, we’re looking for people from a range of backgrounds to become foster carers.
“People can foster in a variety of ways, from full-time care to more flexible options that work around home and work-life responsibilities. If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and want to make a difference in the life of a local child, I strongly encourage you to come along to Foster Portsmouth’s drop-in event and take the first step in your fostering journey.”
The benefits of fostering
Foster carers provide life-changing experiences to the children in their care, setting them on course for a successful future. However, fostering also provides benefits to the foster carer and their family, including the chance to learn new skills, enjoy a challenging but gratifying new vocation, build a network of supportive friends and colleagues, and make a difference to the local community.
Anyone over 21 who has a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth, regardless of their age, gender, faith, ethnicity, sexuality, marital or work status, or whether they rent or own their own home. All foster carers receive excellent support, local training, a foster carer mentor scheme, plus competitive fees and allowances.
For more information on Foster Portsmouth’s Autumn information event on Thursday 20 October at Portsmouth Football Club please visit: www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/events.
There’s no need to book, entry and parking is free, and people can simply drop-in between 7-9.30pm.