With an ongoing need for more foster carers across the county, Fostering in Somerset is inviting residents to meet local foster carers at free Cuppa with a Carer sessions in Wells and Yeovil this month.
The relaxed events offer an opportunity to meet local foster carers, hear about their experiences, ask questions and learn more about the support available.
Everyone attending can enjoy a free coffee and slice of cake while chatting to foster carers and members of the fostering team. There is no obligation or commitment to take your interest further, making the sessions an ideal first step for anyone who has ever considered fostering
Upcoming sessions:
There are around 700 children in care in Somerset. When children cannot live with their birth families, foster carers provide safe, stable and supportive homes.
More local foster carers are needed across the county to help children remain close to their schools, friends, family connections and communities wherever possible.
Fostering can make a lasting difference to a child’s life, offering the care, stability and encouragement they need to thrive.
Foster carers are needed to offer both short-term and long-term homes, providing a variety of options to suit the circumstances and level of commitment a person can offer.
Foster carers receive full-training and ongoing support throughout their fostering journey, including weekly payments to support them financially and a dedicated Supervising social worker.
Cllr Heather Shearer, Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
Sometimes the best way to understand fostering is simply to talk to someone who is already doing it. Our Cuppa with a Carer sessions in Wells and Yeovil this month give people the chance to do exactly that, in a relaxed and informal setting.
You can ask questions, hear first-hand about fostering in Somerset and find out whether it might be something you would like to consider. There is no pressure and no commitment to take things any further. Come along, have a cuppa and start a conversation.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit fosteringinsomerset.org.uk. Foster carers need to be aged 21 or over with a spare room in their home.
