Find out more about fostering at an event in Newport

Foster Wales is holding an event to recruit more foster carers who are urgently needed across Wales.

Local authority fostering teams from Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly, are working together to encourage more people to foster children and young people from their local area as well as young refugees arriving in the UK.

A drop-in recruitment event will take place between 11am and 3pm on 26 November in The Glass Hall, Newport Market for people interested in becoming foster carers and providing nurturing homes for children and young people who need them in the local area.

Councillor Steve Marshall, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for social services, said: “Our foster carers do an amazing job and make a real difference to the lives of young people and we want more people to take on that role to ensure we can provide all children with a safe and loving place to live.

“Please get in touch with our friendly Foster Newport team and find out how you can make a real difference to the lives of young people. It is rewarding for all involved.”

Nina Kemp-Jones, a Foster Wales regional manager, said, “We urgently need more foster carers, from diverse backgrounds, for local children and the growing number of young refugees.

“More than 100 young refugees come to Wales every year and a large percentage of them are placed in the local area. Wales should be a welcoming place for young refugees seeking sanctuary.”

Urgent action is needed to raise awareness and recruit more foster carers in Wales. As part of a nationwide campaign to find more foster carers in Wales, foster carer Mike from Newport shared his experience: “It’s broadened my understanding of different cultures and made me realise how similar everybody is. We all want the same things.

“I looked after one young man who got married last year, he was with me for three years. He still talks to me every week. He treats me like a father figure and there’s others as well that still live in the local area and I see them regularly.

“These are young people that need help and protection, and I see that as very important. I know I’m making a difference.”

Contact your Foster Wales Newport team today https://fosterwales.newport.gov.uk/en/contact-us/