Council welcomes new foster carers and appeals for more local people to find out about fostering

The council's fostering team and current foster carers also attended the event. This gave everyone a chance to meet each other and experience the friendly and supportive fostering community that helps them to provide safe and secure homes for the children they care for. As part of the event the council's new foster carers shared why they decided to find out more about fostering.

Caroline works part-time for the council and as her family have always been community spirited, she shared why they felt compelled to find out how they could help local children. Caroline said: "Our journey began hosting Ukrainian refugees, which was immensely rewarding. Witnessing their transition to a more comfortable life sparked my interest in fostering. Responding to an advert, I realised fostering was a natural extension of what we were already doing. I aim to recreate the positive impact I've seen and provide a stable, nurturing environment for children in need."

Jane has also recently joined the council's fostering community. Whilst she had lots of experience with children, having brought up three children of her own and, as a proud nanny to eight grandchildren, she wasn't sure she could foster as she was a single parent. Jane joined the council at one of their information events and was so impressed she filled in her application to foster straight away. Jane said: "Having supported children with various challenges in my husband's family, I felt compelled to give back to the community. Exploring fostering options, Southend Council's commitment to children stood out. I believe every child deserves a happy, well-supported childhood. My goal is to bring smiles, stability, and nourishment to the lives of the children I foster."

Sharon had fostered for many years and decided now was the time to re-join the council's fostering community as she didn't feel she was helping care for enough local children with the private fostering agency she previously worked with. She initially called the council just to find out more and since then she hasn't looked back, she attended and thoroughly enjoyed the Skills to Foster course and was then approved to foster for the council in less than four months. Sharon said: "After being a foster carer for 13 years, including time with Southend fostering, I couldn't stay away. The warmth of the children, the support of the staff, and the overall ethos of the council's fostering service drew me back. Every question I had, no matter how small, was met with genuine care and attention. Knowing I've played a part in a child's journey and witnessing their growth is incredibly fulfilling."

Local foster carers who work with Southend-on-Sea City Council make sure local children who cannot stay with their birth families for whatever reason, stay close to their hometown and familiar surroundings and help to reduce the cost of seeking help from private fostering agencies.

Cllr Tony Cox, leader of the council, said: "I'd like to thank everyone that has contacted us to find out if fostering is right for them and extend a huge welcome to all our new foster carers. I'm passionate about making sure all children in Southend-on-Sea have the childhood they deserve, and I'm so pleased to hear that our new foster carers felt supported when they contacted us. The care our foster carers provide for the young people in our city is invaluable and I'd like to personally thank them for all they do.

"If you have space in your heart and home and want a rewarding and fulfilling career and life as a foster carer, please get in touch with our fostering team, who would be delighted to talk to you."

The council's fostering team regularly holds free information events for anyone interested in fostering. The team, along with the council's foster carers explain more about the support and training available and provide a real insight into fostering. The next information events are being held on Thursday 16 May and Thursday 30 May.

To find out more and register please visit Southend Fostering Events or email [email protected]

Published: 10th May 2024