This Christmas give the gift of fostering
Foster carers are urgently needed to look after some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people and the Council is urging anyone to come forward and give the gift of fostering this Christmas.
At any one time Havering looks after nearly 250 young people who, for various reasons, cannot live at home with their families. Christmas is a special time and many young people will not be spending it with their families this year, but next year residents could be providing that Christmas spirit to a child who desperately needs support and love.
Julie and Colin Turner, who have been fostering since 1988, said:
“Our planning for Christmas is focused on making a very special and magical time for everyone.”
“We love decorating the house with at least 2 trees and always ask the children in our care to take turns putting the angel on top of the tree.
“We have always shared both Christmas and Boxing Day with close family and they, in turn, have included our foster children by giving them presents, including them in the games and making sure they enjoy themselves.
“We encourage the children to make cards for their parents and siblings, and buy a present for them so they can also be involved in the act of giving too.
“A lot of children have not had the fortune to have a celebration in their life and our aim as a family is to share that experience and build memories that they can remember forever.”
The Council is always looking for foster carers from any faith, ethnic background or community group. If you think you could offer a safe home, love and guidance to a child going through some of the toughest times of their life, contact the fostering team at www.havering.gov.uk/fostering or by calling 01708 434574. Alternatively Join the team in an information session. The next one is on Thursday 5 January between 6pm and 7.30pm in the Town Hall, Romford. RM1 3BB.