Westbury people encouraged to consider fostering

As part of Foster Care Fortnight (16-29 May), a Bristol-based fostering charity is holding a special open day for anyone interested in learning more about a career in fostering and is urging people in Westbury on Trym to come along.

The Bristol & South West branch of TACT, the UK's largest charitable fostering and adoption agency, is appealing for more people in Bristol to consider becoming a foster carer and throw a lifeline to our most vulnerable children and young people.

Their open day will take place on Wednesday 25 May from 10am to 4pm at TACT's offices at 32-34 Hotwells Road, Bristol BS8 4UD. Existing foster carers and staff will be on hand to talk frankly about the challenges and rewards fostering can bring.

According to the Fostering Network, which coordinates Foster Care Fortnight, around 10,000 foster carers are needed across the UK. This shortage means that children are too often being moved from home to home, are split up from their brothers and sisters, and have to live a long way from their family and friends.

TACT works with local authorities across the West Country to provide much needed foster care placements for children and young people in need. All TACT carers receive excellent training with 24 hour support and a break from care when they need it. The charity pays between £337 and £452 per week per child, plus additional allowances for birthdays, festivals and holidays.

Elaine Graham, TACT Bristol & South West's Area Manager says: "Demand for foster carers is increasing in the Bristol area and we currently have a shortage of foster carers able to look after older children and young people. We are appealing to people who think they may have the right skills and experience to consider fostering and to come along to our open day on 25 May to find out more."

For more information about the open day and the work of TACT Bristol & South West, please call 0117 927 7725, email bristol@tactcare.org.uk or visit www.tactcare.org.uk.