Maidenhead & Windsor

They're more usually found working behind the scenes, cast as the unsung heroes and heroines of the caring profession – but from this month the role of Maidenhead foster carer is well and truly "up in lights" for all cinema-goers to see!

Their uncharacteristic starring role is part of an innovative recruitment drive which sees the work of Royal Borough foster carers firmly in the celluloid spotlight at Maidenhead's Odeon cinema for the next 12 months.

A 15-second advertisement is being shown seven days a week at each of the eight Maidenhead cinema screens before every film, specifically targeting the need for foster carers for teenagers, young people with disabilities and youngsters needing respite care - and posing the question "Could you care for us?"

Taking the credit for the innovative recruitment drive is the borough's fostering, adoption and respite care team based at Marlow Road, Maidenhead, who have created a digital slide highlighting the work of foster carers to get across the recruitment message.

Maidenhead Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for children's services, said: "There is always a need for foster carers to undertake the task of providing a secure and caring environment for children and young people who are separated from their own families for any length of time.

"The Royal Borough currently has more than 40 foster carers working selflessly and tirelessly to look after young people in need of care, but we do specifically need to recruit carers for teenagers and disabled young people as well as providing occasional respite care to give permanent carers a well-deserved break.

"We are constantly looking for different ways to recruit carers to fill these vital roles, and to reach people who may not even be aware that the need exists – and we hope the cinema advertisement will help to increase that awareness."

The current recruitment drive follows hot on the heels of Maidenhead Foster Care Fortnight in May, during which the borough's fostering and adoption team ran a series of information sessions and displays at venues across the borough on the theme of 'fostering brighter futures'.

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

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead