Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer? Together Trust, are on a mission to get as many people as possible to consider fostering.
Together Trust has been providing care, special education and support to vulnerable children, young people and adults for almost 150 years. They believe everyone deserves an equal chance in life. No exceptions.
It’s not always possible for children and young people to live with their families. This means there are thousands of children across the country looking for stable homes.
This is where foster carers come in.
CARE
Foster carers provide safe, caring homes for children who need them. This could be for a matter of days, weeks, months or years. They help children and young people experience new things, build their self-esteem and grow and develop into young adults.
There is a huge shortage of foster carers across the UK, and specifically the North West, with fostering agencies receiving hundreds of referrals each week.
Kieren and Wayne, who foster with Together Trust, says: “We started fostering almost five years ago and have cared for about 20 children. We currently have three children placed with us, an eight-year-old, a 10-year-old with autism and learning difficulties and an 11-year-old.
“I think fostering is one of the best things you can do. It’s not as simple as just breezing into it, but it’s rewarding and worthwhile. You can always try doing respite or emergency placements instead of doing long-term straight away. Anyone who thinks they can give a child a home and love them like their own should try it.”
REFERRALS
Together Trust’s fostering service accepts referrals for children aged nought to 18 years, but the organisation is often asked to find homes for children aged 10 years and over, sibling groups and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Working as a charity, Together Trust does not make any profit, instead all the money earned is invested back into the fostering service to provide the best possible support for foster carers and, most importantly, the young people in their care.
Lisa Grundy, Fostering Manager at Together Trust, says: “We’re looking for people who can offer stability, warmth and guidance to children and young people who, through no fault of their own, may not have had the best start in life.
“There are still a lot of misconceptions around fostering and who can be a foster carer. Young people come in all shapes and sizes, and so do foster carers. We want to encourage people from all walks of life to consider it. If not now, then in the future.”
Find out more about fostering with Together Trust by visiting, www.togethertrust.org.uk or email fostercarer@togethertrust.org.uk