Fostering First is organising events across the Island this week and next week to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, and highlight the need to find more carers here on the Island. The annual fortnight is organised by The Fostering Network – Fostering First, the charity responsible for foster care in the Isle of Man, is a member of the network.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme is ‘Time to foster, time to care’ and it runs from May 16th to May 29th. To celebrate, Fostering First will be at the following locations offering an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to get more information, and talk to the Fostering First team:

• Tuesday 17th May: Shoprite, Port Erin - 2pm to 4pm
• Wednesday 18th May: The Strand Shopping Centre - 11am to 1pm; and Shoprite, Peel - 2pm to 4pm
• Thursday 19th May: Sea Terminal - 1pm to 3pm
• Friday 20th May: Shoprite, Ramsey - noon to 2pm
• Monday 23rd May: Shoprite, Onchan - 11am to 1pm
• Tuesday 24th May: Tesco - noon to 2pm
• Wednesday 25th May: Tesco - noon to 2pm
• Thursday 26th May: Tesco - noon to 2pm
• Friday 27th May: The Job Centre, Douglas - 11am to 3pm

Nigel Howard, Deputy Team Manager at Fostering First, says: “Anyone thinking seriously about becoming a foster carer will have lots of questions. That’s great, because we know it’s important to discuss all of the issues and concerns that potential carers may have. Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to come and have a chat with us in a relaxed setting.”

Fostering First provides a comprehensive training programme for new carers, and following completion of the accreditation process, an ongoing training package throughout their fostering careers with structured development opportunities. Regular visits are also made by a Fostering Link Worker who provides additional help and support.

While financial reward is not the primary consideration for anyone who has the right motivation to become a foster carer, Fostering First appreciates that financial matters can be a real concern for some potential foster carers who think that they simply can’t afford the extra expense of caring for a child or children. So it’s important to note that Fostering First can provide financial help to make sure that carers can cover any additional costs.

If you can’t make it to any of the Foster Care Fortnight events, Fostering First hosts monthly drop-in sessions at Bourne House from 4pm to 6pm for anyone who is interested in finding out more about what’s involved in becoming a foster carer. The next drop-in session is on May 27th from 5pm to 7pm – there are also sessions at Bourne House on June 25th (noon to 2pm) and July 25th (6pm to 8pm). Alternatively, you can phone 631947 any time during normal office hours, or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im or find more information at www.aaffiom.org. 

Photo - Rowena Hopper, Support Worker, Fostering First.