With around 550 foster carers needed each year in Wales, a one-off recruitment event looks to inspire a new generation of carers later this month.
Organised by Foster Wales teams in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen, prospective foster carers will get the chance to learn more about the different types of fostering roles available, and the many benefits that come with it.
It’s all happening on Saturday 26 November at The Glass Hall, Newport Market, whereby people can just drop in between the hours of 11am to 3pm.
The event will shine a light on the importance of children and young people remaining within their local areas, as well as focus on the growing need to foster young asylum seekers arriving in the UK with no place to live.
Nina Kemp-Jones, Foster Wales regional development manager for Gwent, said: “We urgently need more foster carers, from diverse backgrounds, for local children and the growing number of young refugees.
“More than 100 young refugees come to Wales every year and a large percentage of them are placed in the local area. Wales should be a welcoming place for young refugees seeking sanctuary.”
As part of a nationwide campaign to find more foster carers in Wales, foster carer Mike from Newport shared his experience.
He said: “It’s broadened my understanding of different cultures and made me realise how similar everybody is. We all want the same things. I looked after one young man who got married last year, he was with me for three years. He still talks to me every week. He treats me like a father figure and there’s others as well that still live in the local area and I see them regularly.
“These are young people that need help and protection, and I see that as very important. I know I’m making a difference.”
Find out more information
To find out more about fostering with Torfaen Council, visit: fosterwales.torfaen.gov.uk
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Photo credit
Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-child-s-hand-1250452/