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North Somerset Council celebrates foster carers

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During Foster Care Fortnight (Monday 13 May to Sunday 26 May), North Somerset Council is shining a light on the crucial service that foster carers provide to support vulnerable children and young people. 

Foster Care Fortnight is run by leading charity The Fostering Network, to help raise awareness of foster care across the UK. This year’s theme is ‘#FosteringMoments’. 

North Somerset Council is highlighting fostering experiences through a short film, featuring interviews with several local foster carers and a young person in care. In the video, one carer says: “[Fostering] is incredibly rewarding, and incredibly challenging. I’d say it’s probably the best thing I’ve done in my life.” 

You can watch the full video here: https://fostering.n-somerset.gov.uk/.

On Sunday 19 May, North Somerset’s fostering team and officers in the wider children’s services team will be taking part in a Fostering Walk at Clevedon. They will be joined by foster carers, children and young people. 

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council's deputy leader and the executive member for children's services, families and lifelong learning, said: “Our foster carers do a fantastic job, and Foster Care Fortnight gives us a great opportunity to celebrate all that they do to help give our young people support and the chance to thrive.

“Watching carers talk about their experiences – from the powerful highs to the challenges they’ve faced – was deeply moving. 

“I wish the best of luck to everyone who’s taking part in the Fostering Walk at Clevedon. We’ve run this event for the past few years, and it’s always incredible to see the fostering community come together.

“If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer for North Somerset, we’re urgently looking for more carers. We welcome carers of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses.

“We offer a strong package of support for our foster carers, from waiving council tax to our Mockingbird network. This connects foster families to experienced carers, meaning you’ll always have a listening ear and someone to offer guidance if you need it.

“If you’d like to make a real difference to children’s lives, please do get in touch.” 

To find out more information about fostering in North Somerset, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01275 888 999.