A campaign has been launched to encourage more people to consider fostering.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s fostering service is keen to raise the profile of respite care and supported lodgings, two areas where more carers are urgently needed.

Respite carers support full time foster carers when they need a short break from fostering by offering an alternative home to fostered children.

This will usually be for a few nights before they return to their carers.

Fostering Service Manager Jill Blose said: “We are always keen to hear from anyone in Cambridgeshire who is interested in becoming a foster carer.

“We hope that by raising awareness of opportunities to become Respite and Supported Lodgings carers we will reach even more people who have the potential to help make a difference to the lives of local children and young people.”

This role is ideal for anyone who would like to foster on a part-time basis. It offers flexibility along with the opportunity to work with a wide range of local children, young people and their carers.

Supported lodgings carers work with young people who are aged 16 and above and play an important part in helping prepare them to live independently.

Young people on the supported lodgings scheme can live within a family home alongside their carer or in an apartment or annexe connected to the carer’s home.

To be a foster carer you need to be over 21. Foster carers can be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner. Applications are welcomed from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from people who have their own children, as well as those who haven’t raised children of their own.

You don’t need to own your own home to foster.

Cambridgeshire County Council offers foster carers comprehensive training, 24-hour support and generous allowances.

Carers can also earn additional payments as they develop their skills and experience.

For more information on fostering contact 0800 052 0078 or visit the fostering website: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering