THE Western Trust is urgently looking for people who want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people by becoming foster carers.
Around 600 children and young people are currently in the care of the Western Trust and this figure continues to grow. More foster parents would allow more children to be placed with families where they can grow and learn.
The Western Trust’s Fostering and Recruitment Team will be holding information events across the Trust, where the fostering team will be available to answer any questions people may have:
- Monday 16 October, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane at 7.30pm
- Tuesday 17 October, Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry at 7.30pm
- Tuesday 17 October, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen at 7.30pm
- Thursday 19 October, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh at 7.30pm
Dympna Brogan, Social Work Manager for the Western Trust Fostercare Services said: “Foster caring is a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience, and carers often describe it as the best thing they’ve ever done.
“People often think they can’t foster because they are single, work, or are too old, but none of these things matter.
“People from all walks of life can foster – don’t rule yourself out.
“If you are resilient, flexible and have the energy, time and commitment to take on the demands of being a foster carer or adoptive parents, please come along to our information sessions to talk to experienced social workers and foster carers and children and hear about the range of support which are offered to all foster carers.”
Denyse Walker a Western Trust Foster Carer said: “To be in a position to offer children stability and a sense of belonging, at a time when their birth parents are not able to look after them, is indeed an honour and a privilege.
“We have been fostering now over 10 years and have learned so much from the children and young people we have cared for – it’s not just about giving a roof over their heads and a meal on the table, it’s the love and life the children bring to your home and the joy of watching them grow and develop their own personalities that makes fostering worthwhile”.
If you feel you have the time and space in your life to foster please contact the Fostering Recruitment & Assessment Team on 028 8283 5264/7131 4244 or email: [email protected]
Alternatively you can call HSC Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or enquire online.
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