Maidenhead & Windsor

Fostering brighter Maidenhead futures – that's the theme of this year's Foster Care Fortnight which runs for the next two weeks (May 8 – 21).

The nationwide campaign – co-ordinated by the Fostering Network – is being supported in the Maidenhead Royal Borough with information sessions and displays to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.

During the coming fortnight social workers from the borough's fostering and adoption team will be staffing a stall in the Nicholson's Centre in Maidenhead on Tuesday May 9 and Thursday May 18 to provide a wealth of information to anyone interested in finding out more about fostering.

On Thursday May 11, Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14 information will be available at a stall at the Maidenhead Magnet Leisure Centre, and at a stall at Windsor Leisure Centre from Friday May 19 to Sunday May 21. Colourful displays will be set up in both Maidenhead and Windsor libraries during the fortnight featuring information about fostering

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for Maidenhead social services, said: "This year's theme of ‘fostering brighter futures' is so important to everyone involved in the fostering of children. Many of our loyal foster carers really are the unsung heroes and heroines of our communities, who provide a loving and supportive environment in which children and young people can thrive and develop.

"It is important that we recognise the vital role they play in the temporary care of some of our most vulnerable youngsters – and here in the Royal Borough we regularly recognise that commitment with long service awards which go some way to expressing
our thanks and appreciation.

"During this Foster Care Fortnight we want to get across the message that anyone can become a foster carer. You don't need to be a home owner, and age, income and marital status do not affect your ability to become a carer – you just need to be someone who would like to help make a difference to a young person's life."

Following Foster Care Fortnight there will be two information sessions held at Braywick Heath Nursery, Braywick Road, Maidenhead, on Wednesday June 7 from 7 – 9pm and Thursday June 8 from 1 – 3pm.

Foster carers in the Royal Borough provide care in a variety of settings:

· short break or respite fostering – providing much-needed breathing space for families by looking after a disabled child on a regular basis either at weekends or perhaps for a week during school holidays

· short term fostering – looking after a child for a few weeks while arrangements are being made for the child to be returned to their own home

· long-term fostering – providing a safe and supportive environment for children who cannot live at home while maintaining contact with the child's family if appropriate.

For further information about fostering contact Ros Whittaker, team manager, Maidenhead fostering and adoption team, on 01628 683138

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead