A RECRUITMENT campaign to encourage people to recognise in themselves the qualities needed to be a foster carer is being launched in Barnsley.

With the strapline Fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until 25 May, aims to raise the profile of fostering and encourage more people to become foster carers.

The campaign encourages people to recognise fostering qualities in themselves: strong listening and observational skills, a good sense of humour, optimism and resilience.

One Barnsley foster carer said: “You only get one chance at childhood and so to be part of a young person’s childhood is a wonderful thing. As a foster carer you help a child to develop resilience, feel valued, loved and respected. As a foster carer you can help a young person to come to terms with previous life experiences, have lots of fun and move forward in life.

“Fostering is a job from the heart. It can be extremely hard work but the rewards far outweigh this. What other job gives you satisfaction everyday and where you love your job and your job loves you back?”

Foster Care Fortnight is co-ordinated by the charity Fostering Network. People seeking more information should contact Barnsley Fostering Team on (01226) 775876, email fostering@barnsley.gov.uk

You can also find out more about fostering by dropping in at Wellington House in Wellington Street, Barnsley, on Friday (16 May) between 1pm and 3.30pm or on Wednesday, 21^st between 10am and noon. Or visit the fostering stall at ASDA, Old Mill Lane, between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday, 20^th or the information evening at the Metrodome, Queens Drive, between 5.30pm and 8pm on Monday, 9 June.

ENDS

Issued by Press Office (PressOffice@barnsley.gov.uk)

Telephone 01226 773442