Havering Council launches 'Give the Gift of Fostering'
As the year comes to an end, Havering Council is urging anyone who can give the gift of fostering this Christmas to come forward.
The borough always needs foster carers throughout the year, to help and support the 247 local children and young people living in care.
The borough supports some of the community’s most vulnerable children, who for various reasons, can’t live at home with their families. The council needs to recruit foster carers for children of all ages, but is specially interested in hearing from any residents who can support children aged 11 plus.
One of Havering’s most experienced Foster Carers, Sharon, said:
“This Christmas we will have fostered a total of 16 children over the years. Our family always aims to make the festive season as happy as possible for the young people in our care, as some may not have happy memories of a previous Christmas. We want to give the kids a positive Christmas experience that they’ll remember forever.
“Fostering has been, personally, so rewarding, especially when you see children develop into a loving and caring child throughout their stay with us.”
Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Learning, said:
“At this time of giving, we want to remind residents that we’re always looking for foster carers from any faith, ethnic background or community group. You only need to have a spare bedroom, kind heart and lots of enthusiasm. We welcome single carers, older carers - everyone is welcome.”
People who think they could offer a safe home, love and guidance to a child going through some of the toughest times of their life are asked to contact the Council’s fostering team via www.havering.gov.uk/fostering or call 01708 434 574
Alternatively people are invited to join the team in an information session on Thursday 7 December at 6.30pm, at Havering Town Hall.