New campaign aims to find foster carers for children of all ages

Lancashire County Council are keen to find loving foster homes for children of all ages and are looking for people who would be a good role model and make a difference to the life of a local child.

Although it may be challenging at times, fostering children of any age is rewarding and there are so many firsts, special milestones and memories that you and the child will remember forever.

We are looking for foster carers to look after children and young people of all ages, but especially pre-teen and teenagers who are at a crucial moment of development.  To help them through this time of change to independence they need a safe, stable and loving home.

Our pre-teen and teenagers are usually in full-time education or training and whilst this may mean they need less practical care and supervision, they need strong boundaries and role models.

As part of the Foster With Us Lancs campaign, Lancashire County council foster carer Gemma Kinsella has shared what the vocation looks like to her.

Gemma has been fostering since December 2018, when she took on a sibling group of three children, just four days before Christmas.

These siblings have remained in her care since and are staying with her long term. Since being with Gemma, they have thrived and overcome so many barriers.

Gemma said: "The moment that I realised the difference I was making was when my little eight year old girl said, 'Gemma saved my life.'

"There are many more 'Mum' and 'thank you for caring' moments but this one really hit me hard. I had only been fostering for a few years and this comment made me realise that I have to foster for many, many more."

The new campaign comes just after a new recruitment hub was launched to recruit urgently needed foster carers across Cumbria and Lancashire.

The Regional Fostering Recruitment and Retention Hub has been created as part of a £1.2m successful regional bid between Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, and Lancashire County Council to boost foster care recruitment in the region. 'Foster with us' acts as a first point of contact for those interested in fostering to help them make an informed choice about how fostering could work for them.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for Children and Families said: "Our Fostering families are a truly remarkable bunch. They are dedicated, devoted and determined to offer the warmest welcome and secure, happy homes for the children in our care, to ensure they are supported on the journey to their best life.

"If you think you have what it takes to make the difference to the life of a local child, please take that first step by contacting the team.

"Matching children of all ages with carers who go above and beyond for the youngsters and teenagers in their care is at the very heart of what we do at the council.

"To help us make new beginnings and dreams come true, we urgently need more foster carers across Lancashire. If you have what it takes to help a child in Lancashire with a loving, stable home, make a difference and go to our fostering website or call 0300 019 0200 to find out more."