Find out more about fostering at upcoming information sessions

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to attend ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ information sessions if they’ve ever considered opening their hearts and homes to local children or young people.

Tameside children and young people are looking for a place to call home, and more foster carers are needed in the borough to help provide safe, stable and loving homes for them

Tameside Council’s Fostering Service, together with local foster carers, will be hosting a series of information sessions designed to give residents the chance to learn more about fostering and ask any questions they may have.

Please see list of information sessions below:

• Tuesday 17 February, 11am-1pm, Portland Basin Museum, OL7 0QA
• Thursday 26 March, 6pm-7pm, Online session – book here
• Tuesday 31 March, 11am-1pm, Portland Basin Museum, OL7 0QA
• Tuesday 19 May, 6pm-7pm, Online session – book here
• Monday 6 July, 6pm – 7pm, Online session – book here

Fostering is often more flexible than people realise and can be shaped around different schedules, lifestyles, and home environments. There are several types of fostering available, including short-term, long-term, specialist, emergency and respite care.

The council provides full training, with online opportunities to increase flexibility, support and an allowance.

Anyone can foster so long as applicants are 21 years or older, have a spare room (unless you’re fostering a child under the age of two) and can offer a safe and loving home.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “Fostering truly changes lives, and many people would be surprised to learn that they already have what it takes.

Fostering can fit around your work and other commitments, and if you’ve been considering it, or simply want to know more, you’re not committing to anything by joining one of our sessions. Come along and ask that question; there’s no pressure.”

Further ‘Let’s Talk Fostering; sessions will be announced soon. To stay updated on events and opportunities, click here.

Anyone who would like to find out more without attending the session please get in touch by calling 0300 303 0321 or email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.fosterforgm.com/tameside