Show local children you care by joining Bridgend Foster Care

This Foster Care Fortnight (10-23 May), the council is calling on more people in the area to consider fostering.

Many new foster families are needed every year, across the county borough to care for children of all ages and in particular for sibling groups, older children and children with additional needs.

Foster carers provide day-to-day support, love and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.

Foster carers like Wayne and Michelle, who have changed the lives of many children in their care. They said:

“We care because it’s so lovely to see a child develop and become more confident in your care. They have such a positive impact on the whole family - you have real hopes for a bright future for them.”

Also, Daniel and Rachel, who have been fostering with Bridgend Foster Care since 2016, they said: “We care because we can provide a positive, safe, warm and loving environment, to allow a young person to develop and thrive.

“We can also offer them support and guidance to build their confidence. We’ve had many different experiences with fostering, as each placement is unique – you learn more about the role as you embark on the fostering journey with them.

“Since joining Bridgend Foster Care we have become liaison carers, which means we are able to share our experiences with others but most importantly provide that much needed support to other Bridgend foster carers.

 “Being part of the fostering care team allows you to develop relationships with other carers. We attend coffee mornings and many other events, where you have the chance to improve your skills and knowledge through some great training opportunities.

“It’s great to feel part of a bigger team of like-minded people who want to achieve the same goals you – the best outcome for a child in our care.

“You do have to be open-minded and non-judgemental and approach all placements with dignity and respect as you also need to build therapeutic relations with birth family members.

“If you are thinking of becoming a fostering carer, our advice would be to just go for it. You will be supported in all aspects of the process and it’s also very rewarding.”

It’s truly inspiring to hear the success stories from some of our excellent foster carers.

However, we really need more people like Wayne, Michelle, Rachel and Daniel to come forward and consider fostering or supporting young people in our county borough.

Foster carers come from all walks of life, just like the children who need their care. I would urge anyone who is interested to speak to our fostering team for some confidential and friendly advice.

Councillor Nicole Burnett, Social Services and Early Help

On Thursday 20 May, people across the county borough are being asked to show their support for local authority foster carers by placing a lamp in their front window to ‘shine a light’ on the hard work being done and celebrate their efforts in transforming the lives of children and young people. Buildings across Wales, including the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl will also be lit up in orange to celebrate the remarkable work they do.

If you think you could make a difference by becoming a foster carer with Bridgend Foster Care, please visit: www.bridgend.gov.uk/fostering or call: 01443 425007 and email: enquiries@fostercwmtaf.co.uk