This Foster Care Fortnight (12- 25 May), Calderdale Council is stepping up its campaign to recruit more foster carers, highlighting the benefits of fostering with the Council and celebrating the great work of its existing carers.
Foster Care Fortnight is the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives.
This year’s theme is The Power of Relationships, celebrating the connections at the heart of every fostering journey.
As part of celebrations for Foster Care Fortnight, Wainhouse Tower will light up blue on Monday 12 May and the Council’s fostering team will be celebrating the many ways that fostering transforms the lives of children and young people. Through a poetry competition, foster carers, children and young people in foster care and siblings, have been sharing their own experiences of the powerful relationships created through fostering.
A special film is also being released which focuses on the experiences of Calderdale foster carer, Adelle, and her husband Ben, who have been fostering with the Council for 16 years. She shares her journey to becoming a foster carer and the invaluable support provided by other foster carers in Calderdale.
Adelle said:
“The other foster carers in Calderdale have been a huge support for me and my husband. Having fellow foster carers available to meet up on a regular basis, or even on the end of a phone, or a WhatsApp message, is really, really valuable…we’re all there for one another, to support each other.
“I would encourage anybody of any age or background, if you’re interested in fostering…make that initial enquiry, ring Calderdale’s fostering team. They will give you the information required, and we have some great events for potential foster carers.
“I’d describe it as a rollercoaster and you do need a really good peer support network, but we just absolutely love just seeing the joy and seeing children flourish – getting them to their full potential.”
The next Fostering Information Evening will take place on Tuesday 3June from 6pm – 7.30pm via Microsoft Teams. Those attending will be able to meet foster carer, Adelle, who’ll be sharing her experience, and the Council’s fostering team will be answering any queries. Register for a free place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-fostering-information-evening-tickets-1235650526989(external link)
Fostering with the Council comes with many benefits and support packages, including generous financial allowances, extensive training and development, one-to-one help, local support groups and access to a close community of foster carers.
There are also extra incentives, including a discounts package with local businesses, free gym and swim membership for all the family in the fostering household, and the major benefit of not having to pay Council Tax, for Calderdale foster carers who live in the borough.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Adam Wilkinson, said:
“This Foster Care Fortnight we’re celebrating the many relationships that are built through fostering. The key relationship is between foster carers and the young people they care for, but fostering also builds friendships within our fostering communities, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.
“Those fostering with Calderdale Council also have access to a strong professional network, with our passionate fostering service offering a massive amount of support and advice, from the initial expression of interest and throughout the fostering journey.
“Throughout the fortnight, we’ll be recognising our existing carers and also stepping up our recruitment campaign. We urgently need more foster carers to provide a safe and loving home for our young people.
“Foster care makes such a difference to people’s lives, and we can provide reassurance that you’ll never be alone on the fostering journey. There’s support every step of the way, as well as a generous package of benefits to recognise the kindness of our carers and the extra financial challenges that can come with fostering.”
To find out more about fostering for Calderdale Council, visit calderdale.gov.uk/fostering(external link). The website contains lots of information about the support available and benefits of fostering as well as detail about the process and commitment involved. You can also call 01422 266020, email fostering@calderdale.gov.uk or find out more on Facebook at https://en-gb.facebook.com/foster4calderdale/(external link)
Calderdale Council is also a Fostering Friendly employer, an achievement awarded to the Council by The Fostering Network. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting children and foster carers in the borough, supporting staff members to carry out fostering care responsibilities alongside their work.
ENDS