More foster carers needed

COULD you foster? . . . Oldham Athletic players (from the left) Danny Whitaker, Daniel Jones and Dale Stephens

OLDHAM Athletic players are backing a Foster Care Fortnight recruitment campaign to encourage more people to think about fostering.

Oldham Fostering Service and Oldham Athletic are asking ordinary families and individuals across the borough “Could you foster?”

The two-week campaign runs until May 24 and hopes to recruit many foster carers for children and young people.

Cabinet member for children, young people and families, Councillor Kay Knox, said: “Foster Care Fortnight provides a great opportunity to recognise and thank our existing carers who invest time and energy to make a real difference to the lives of Oldham children.

“It is also a great time to encourage others to think about whether they could foster. If you are interested in being a foster carer why not get in touch?”

Oldham Fostering Service is keen to recruit people willing to foster children and young people on both a short-term and long-term basis, including older children, brothers and sisters who need to stay together and children from ethnic minorities.

Michael Jameson, assistant executive director for children and young people, added: “Many people think that they cannot foster for a variety of reasons. This is simply not true, almost anyone can foster.

“You don’t need to have special qualifications or have experience.

“As long as you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and enjoy working with children, we would love to hear from you.”

All foster carers are given full training and support, plus receive payments and allowances up to £365 per week (dependent on skills and experience).

For more information or to apply, call 0161-770 6600 or e-mail fostering@oldham.gov.uk .