Meet the Staffordshire families sharing their fostering moments

Staffordshire families are sharing their special fostering moments in a bid to encourage more people to foster.

‘Fostering moments’ is the theme for this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign which starts on 13 May to highlight the urgent need for more foster carers.

Foster families provide loving homes to children and young people right across the county, and it’s those special moments being highlighted.  A child’s first day at school, learning to ride a bicycle, getting a prize for knowing their times tables or going on to pass exams are all moments to cherish.

Staffordshire County Council foster carers Jacqui and Marc Bradbury are supporting the campaign and will be sharing some of their special moments.

Jacqui, who has been fostering for just under 12 months said: “Fostering is something I had always wanted to do and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to do it.

“As a teacher, I enjoyed making a difference to the children who were in my class but I always wanted to help more. There are so many special moments in a child’s life and to think that some children may miss out on these is heartbreaking.

“We decided to foster when our own three children were in high school as we felt like the time was right. Now having a little one in the house has brought so much fun and happiness to our whole family.  There are so many children who need a safe and happy home and it is really rewarding being able to provide this for them.

“The training and support you are given prepares you well to foster. If it’s something you have always thought about, give it a go. It’s really rewarding watching children thrive in your care and see all those magical moments.”

Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said: “By sharing some of those special fostering moments we hope to show people the difference that foster carers can make to a young person’s life.

“We all want to see children and young people get the best possible start in life and be able to realise their dreams, and that’s exactly what you could do as an approved foster carer for your local council.

“There’s lots of training and support at hand to guide you along your journey and you’ll receive a competitive allowance.   If you’re interested in fostering, please get in touch with the team.”

Throughout the fortnight, Staffordshire’s foster carers along with staff will be calling in at the following towns between 10am and 2pm:

• Monday 13 May Wolseley Wildlife Centre, Rugeley

• Tuesday 14 May, Trentham Gardens Car Park

• Wednesday 15 May, Cannock Town Centre

• Thursday 16 May, Uttoxeter Dove Fields Car Park

• Friday 17 May, Costa Coffee, Queens Retails Park Stafford

• Saturday 18 May, Party on the Pitch – Stafford Town FC

• Tuesday 21 May, Tesco Car Park Hednesford

• Wednesday 22 May, Lichfield Cathedral

• Friday 24 May, Iron Market Square, Newcastle

People can also sign up for an online information meeting on 16 May which will talk you through the process of becoming a foster carer.

Further details on fostering with Staffordshire County Council are available on the Foster for Staffordshire website or by calling 0800 169 2061