Blackpool Council supports Foster Care Fortnight

Blackpool Council is proud to be supporting Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s biggest fostering awareness campaign that runs from 9-22 May.

The annual campaign is co-ordinated by national charity, The Fostering Network, and highlights the incredible work foster carers do all over the UK.

The fortnight of activity provides an opportunity for us to appeal to dedicated, resilient and child-focused people to consider fostering for Blackpool.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme is ‘fostering communities’ and is designed to shine a light on the many ways people across the fostering community support each other.

We need you

The Fostering Network estimates 8,600 new foster carers are needed across the UK this year alone.

Currently, there are more than 70,000 children living with almost 56,000 fostering families in England. Every 20 minutes another child comes into care needing a foster family.

In Blackpool, there is a real need for more foster carers which is why we're asking individuals and families to come forward to find out more about fostering.

To meet the needs of local children in care, we are looking to recruit step down foster carers to help children move from a residential children’s home to a foster home.

There is also a need for more foster carers to come forward who have the skills to specialise in fostering children with complex needs such as children with special additional needs.

We are looking for a diverse range of fostering families from a variety of backgrounds who can provide a safe and loving environment for children and young people.

Training and support

Blackpool foster carers benefit from excellent training and a full package of support, including enhanced generous allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child or young person, regular support groups, peer mentors for new carers, fostering forum meetings, an out of hours support and advice line, and a dedicated supervising social worker.

The help and advice offered by the experienced social work support team is tailored to each foster child and fostering family to ensure they are supported to offer the best possible care to our children.

Get in touch

Cllr Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a great way to shine a light on our fostering community in Blackpool and recognise the dedication of our foster carers.

“We are very proud of everything our carers do to change children’s lives for the better and would like to thank each and every one of them.

“One of the main challenges that we’re facing right now is finding foster carers who have the skills to specialise in fostering children with complex needs. We also need step down foster carers who can support a child or young person to move from living in a residential setting into a stable and secure foster home.

“I would urge anyone who feels they might have what it takes to be a foster carer or knows someone who might be suitable to get in touch with our friendly team and find out more.”

This is an opportunity to make a difference to a child’s life so if you and your family feel you are ready to join us on this journey please get in touch and have a chat with us.