Brothers, sisters and teens need your help

More than half of children who need foster care in Salford are aged 10 or older – and many of those are brothers and sisters desperate to stay together.

Many people think babies and younger children will fit more easily into their family but foster carers who look after older children say they are missing out.

“No nappies and no sleepless nights – that’s a real bonus,” said Alice who has fostered teenagers for several years.

“Older children are more independent and like to pursue their own interests, as well as enjoying family activities. If we take in brothers and sisters they also like to spend time with each other. We have a great mix of spending time with them, doing things as a family and time to ourselves as adults.

“Over the years we’ve been introduced to a huge range of new interests, from art, acting and sports to wildlife, designing gadgets and creating videos. We enjoy days out, shopping and cinema trips or just staying home watching the latest films. It keeps us young.

“Young people come into care for many different reasons. Sometimes it’s short term because of family illness; sometimes they stay with me until they are adults

themselves. We’re based in Salford so they don’t have to change schools and lose contact with friends. It’s so rewarding to help them, see them grow in confidence and know you made a difference in their lives.

“The support we get from Salford City Council and a range of professionals working with us and the children is superb. There’s help 24/7 if we need it, lots of different support groups where we can chat to other foster carers, children’s events for our own children and our foster children, training courses and a generous allowance to cover both day-to-day costs and extras such as holidays, birthdays, Christmas and activities.”

Salford City Council foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and relationship situations. You must be 21 or over, have a spare room for the child, have the time and energy to look after them and be willing to work with a range of professionals. Full training and ongoing support is provided.

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call 0161 799 1268 email salfordfoster@salford.gov.uk or visit www.salford.gov.uk/fostering