Trafford residents urged to consider fostering a child (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford residents urged to consider fostering a child

5:29pm Monday 14th January 2013 in News

NORTH West local authorities are urging people to make 2013 a life-changing year - by fostering a child.

Organisers of the You Can Foster campaign, the high-profile collaboration of 23 north west councils, are encouraging people from all walks of life to consider how they could make a real difference to the life of a child.

With television adverts, featuring carers from across the region, beginning to air on ITV1 this week, the You Can Foster team have set an ambitious target of exceeding the 1,500 enquiries achieved in 2012.

The campaign has recruited almost 200 new carers, and attracted more than 4,500 enquiries since its inception in 2010.

It aims to dispel the many myths about fostering. Applications are welcomed from those who are single, in a relationship, married or divorced; from applicants who work full-time or don’t work at all, and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Trafford executive councillor Linda Blackburn emphasised the importance of You Can Foster for Trafford Council.

“Following on from our success in previous years, we are proud to continue to be a part of such a high-profile campaign.

"The start of the new year is the perfect time for us to call on our residents and ask them to give something back to a child in need in our community.

"We hope that the presence of the You Can Foster campaign will bring fostering to the forefront of the minds of those who want to make a real difference this year.

“In these uncertain times, with excellent training, support and generous financial allowances, fostering for Trafford Council is also an exceptional career choice for those looking for a new direction, or to complement existing roles.”

For more information about the You Can Foster campaign and to request an information pack, visit www.youcanfoster.org or call 0800 6347052.

If you would like to speak to a member of Trafford’s Fostering Team, please call 0161 912 3558 or email fostering@trafford.gov.uk. You can also visit www.trafford.gov.uk/fostering.