An event to welcome the newest foster carers to Cambridgeshire County Council’s fostering service was held last week.

The last 12 months have seen a record breaking 32 new families from across Cambridgeshire become foster carers with the local authority and many of these new carers attended to join the celebrations.

The event also marked the launch of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from 1st – 14th June and aims to raise the national profile of fostering and encourage more people to become foster carers.

Milsen from Upwell (pictured second from left) said “We have had good support since we began fostering with Cambridgeshire County Council. We find fostering very rewarding and we would encourage anyone who is interested to give it a go.”

Jill Blose, Service Manager for Fostering said: “We extend a huge thank you to all of our new foster carers, many of whom are already providing safe and loving homes to local children and young people unable to live with their own families.

“However, we urgently need even more people in Cambridgeshire to follow in their footsteps and consider fostering. We are particularly keen to hear from people who feel they are able to foster older children and young people.”

To be a foster carer you need to be over 21. You don’t need to own your home, but you do need to have a spare room. Foster carers can be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner. We welcome applications 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.

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 please get in touch today on 0800 052 0078 or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering