Coventry’s call for more foster carers takes another step forward this week with an awareness campaign timed to tie-in with the start of national Foster Care Fortnight which runs from 15-28 May.
Coventry’s campaign centres on the need for more people from a variety of backgrounds and different life experiences, skills and qualities to open their homes and hearts, and to make a difference in a child’s life.
In line with the position across the country, the city has a shortage of foster carers and the number of people enquiring to Coventry has also decreased and reinforces the ongoing need to raise awareness of fostering. However, the Council remains committed to recruiting at least 36 new foster carers by the end of March 2024.
Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The growth of the Fostering Service remains a priority of the Council to enable children in care to experience family life close to their home. By having more in-house carers, we can ensure Coventry children in care remain locally which is beneficial to everyone involved.
“We are lucky in that we already have many dedicated and superb foster carers who foster with Coventry and make such a difference to young people’s lives. As the national theme of this fortnight’s national campaign reinforces, the Coventry message is to celebrate the strength and resilience of fostering communities.
“This week’s Channel 4 Film ‘Kids’ takes a close-up look at two teenagers and those working within the fostering service to help and support them through their journey. It’s a very loving and moving film so I would encourage people to take the chance and watch it this Wednesday at 9pm.
“If people are inspired to make a difference to a child’s life and their support to the ‘Foster With Coventry’ family, then please get in touch.”
As part of the awareness campaign, the fostering team will be at the city’s War Memorial Park between 10am and 12noon on Thursday 18 May for an awareness raising walk with all welcome. In addition, the team are hosting an online Zoom event the same day at 6 pm.
For further details about these events, the general awareness campaign and if you want to find out more about Foster with Coventry, please give us a ring on 024 7683 2828 or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering.
Foster Care Fortnight is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives. Foster Care Fortnight 2023 will take place from the 15 – 28 May and the theme this year is to celebrate the strength and resilience of fostering communities.