Stockport Council has teamed up with other local authorities across the North West as part of an initiative to urge people to make 2013 a life-changing year by becoming a foster carer.
The ‘You Can Foster’ initiative encourages people from all walks of life to consider how they could make a real difference to the life of a child.
The initiative has already attracted almost 200 new carers and over 4,500 enquiries since its inception in 2010.
The Council’s Fostering team welcomes applications from people who are single, in a relationship, married or divorced; from applicants who work full-time or don’t work at all for example, and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. All are assessed on their own merit, and the type of care you could offer a child is the most important thing.
Councillor Kevin Dowling, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “The Council is delighted to continue to support this successful initiative and the New Year is the perfect time for people to consider becoming a foster carer. “The Council offer excellent training and support to everyone who becomes a foster carer.”
Jason and Nikki Brookes, Stockport foster carers, said: “For the past year, my wife Nikki and I have been foster carers for Stockport Council, after responding to the ‘You Can Foster’ campaign back in 2011. I can honestly say that alongside raising our own young family, fostering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. To protect, support and care for a young person brings benefits without measure.”
If you would like to speak to a member of the Stockport Council’s Fostering Team, call 0161 947 4646 or email familyplacement@stockport.gov.uk
For more information about the You Can Foster initiative and to request an information pack, visit www.youcanfoster.org or call 0800 6347052.
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