Could you be a foster carer? Now is the ideal time to find out. isleofman.com Local News

Fostering First has announced a series of events to help recruit new foster carers. The events began during Foster Care Fortnight (May 8th to May 21st), which is the annual campaign run by The Fostering Network in the UK, and supported here on the Island by Fostering First, the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island.

Over the next few weeks and months, Fostering First will be building on the success of the its campaign by hosting events at locations around the Island – all of which offer ideal opportunities for anyone interested in fostering to get more information, and talk to their team. Here are some of the upcoming events:

•          May 19th: Marks and Spencer, Douglas – 10am to 4pm
•          May 23rd: Noa Bakehouse, Douglas – 11.30am to 1.30pm
•          May 25th: Tynwald Mills – 11.30am to 3pm
•          June 29th: Tynwald Mills – 11.30am to 3pm

Sharon Batchelor from Fostering First, said: “Foster carers can have a positive impact which transforms the lives of children, and gives them a better future. You don’t need any special tricks or powers to become a foster carer. All that is needed is time and patience to earn the trust of a child and help to restore stability and happiness back into their life. Dedicating their time and patience, foster carers do such an important job which makes a real difference to children and wider society. Of course, 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. Our upcoming events are the ideal opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to come and have a chat with us in a relaxed setting, and we look forward to meeting lots of new people at the events we have planned.”

For a full list of events, go to www.fps.co.im.

Fostering First is part of The Children’s Centre’s Family Placement Services division. Phone Fostering First on 631947 or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im – or check out their page on the Family Placement Services website www.fps.co.im.