Recycling vehicles spread the word about fostering across the North West
A series of fostering adverts are being shared on fleets of recycling vehicles across the North West.
Lancashire County Council's fostering team have partnered with Pendle Borough Council, Lancaster City Council and West Lancashire Borough Council to promote their valuable work on the vehicles, with the first ones already out and about.
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children and families attended the official launch of the signs on Wednesday, 19 July, along with members of Lancashire County Council's fostering teams and representatives from the other councils. Vehicles in Pendle and Lancaster are already proudly promoting Lancashire fostering whilst Preston and West Lancashire's vehicles will soon follow suit.
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for Children and Families said: "It's a wonderful initiative and I'd like to thank my cross district colleagues for supporting our county-wide fostering initiative by allowing us to use their vehicles to spread the word.
"Finding stable, loving homes in which children can thrive lies at the heart of what we do in Lancashire's Children's Services and this is an eye-catching new way to remind people of a life-changing vocation which makes all the difference to a child's life.
"Lancashire County Council's foster carers form a unique fostering family made up of a strong, comprehensive network offering regular social events, activities, and financial support.
"We are delighted to work with Pendle, Lancaster and West Lancs Borough Councils to share this important message and anyone interested to join our fantastic team and make that difference to a child please get in touch to learn more about the possibilities that fostering brings to all parties."
Pendle Borough Council's Leader, Councillor Asjad Mahmood, said: “We’re delighted to work with Lancashire County Council to encourage more people to come forward and become foster carers.
“They are absolutely crucial to the work that children’s services do to keep young people safe. Together, we can make a real and positive difference to many lives.”
Councillor Peter Jackson, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member for communities, wellbeing and partnerships, added: “I am delighted that we’re able to help raise awareness of Lancashire County Council’s fostering service via adverts on the side of our waste collection wagons.
“By taking its campaign on the road, it is hoped we will be able to spread the word even further about the importance of fostering and encourage people who want to make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people to consider providing them with safe, stable and loving homes as foster carers.”
Councillor Vicky Cummins, West Lancashire Borough Council portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, added: "I have the utmost admiration for those who choose to open their homes and hearts to children and young people who desperately need support and care.
"I would urge anyone who may be thinking of fostering to get in touch with Lancashire County Council to find out more about this incredibly important and rewarding chance to make a real difference to a child or young person's life."
If you would like to find out more about fostering with Lancashire County Council, and the generous allowances available and package of support and training, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering or call the team on 0300 123 6723.