SCC looking for more foster parents

Somerset County Council is looking for more foster carers in Wellington willing to look after young people aged 10 and older for their Home Based Care scheme.  An information event is taking place this week featuring Home Based carers who can give a real insight into this hugely rewarding type of foster care.
The free drop-in session is taking place on Thursday 6 June from 7pm to 9pm at Holiday Inn in Taunton. A presentation will be given by the scheme manager at 7.30pm and there will be an opportunity to speak to foster carers, including Somerset couple Ginny and Mike.
Ginny and Mike have been fostering for over 20 years and they have been Home Based Carers for 10 years. They have helped lots of young people turn their lives around.
Ginny said: “I enjoy being a foster carer for older children and young people. I get a real buzz when I know we have a new young person on the way. I enjoy the challenge and know that I am going to make a positive difference to their lives.”
A good outlook on life, plenty of patience, a good sense of humour, a spare room and the ability for the main carer to stay at home are the key attributes people need to become a Home Based Carer.
Home Based foster carers receive a weekly fee and allowance of around £400 per week and the Council offers full training and support. Working with professionals, Carers will provide young people struggling to cope with everyday life support and guidance helping them to achieve their potential and successfully move into independence.
Ginny said: “I think it is really important to offer young people some stability and a place to belong. I try to give young people a home to rebuild their lives and put back what has been missing for most of their childhood. It is all about trying to prepare them for adulthood and arming them for their future life.
“It can be hard at times when young people run away or take out their frustrations on me and my family but they often appreciate it down the line. Many young people get in touch with us years later to say how much they miss us and appreciate what we have done for them. It is really rewarding to hear that I have made a real difference to their life.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer and the different types of foster care available, drop into the free event this Thursday. Alternatively, go to: www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or phone 0800 587 9900 for an information pack.