Fostering with pride

“Our little one had the time of her life painting my face and covering me in rainbow glitter at Chester Pride last year – we all really enjoyed ourselves” said Richard, a Cheshire West and Chester Council approved foster carer.

Richard from Northwich has been supported by the Councils fostering team throughout his fostering journey, from application through to placement. He said “We were bowled over by how inclusive the Council’s fostering team were and continue to be. After fostering for nearly three years now I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Not without its challenges but far outweighed by the rewards of seeing a young person have the opportunity to change their life and be such as huge part of that.”

On the run up to Chester Pride this Saturday (11 August), Richard is encouraging others from the LGBT community to apply to Cheshire West and Chester Council if they are considering fostering a child.

The Council urgently needs more foster carers, particularly for young people aged 11 and over. Ruth and April from the Council’s Foster4 recruitment team will be at Chester Pride in the health, wellbeing and lifestyle zone on Castle Square on Saturday afternoon. Visit their stand to find out more about becoming a foster carer and the support and training that is on offer.

Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We urgently need more foster carers to help care for the 332 foster children currently in our care. We have 129 amazing foster families who help us care for local children and offer them a safe and stable home.

“If you are coming to Chester Pride on Saturday and want to help local children and young people get the best start in life please come and speak to a member of the recruitment team and find out how you can start your fostering journey.”

If you can’t make it to the event you can take your first step to becoming a foster carer by completing the enquiry form online at fosteringwestcheshire.co.uk or by calling: 01925 444100.

The team regularly hold drop-in fostering information events across the area for people to find out more about fostering. The next event after Chester Pride will be held on Tuesday 21 August, 6pm – 8pm at The Technology Centre, Inward Way, Rossmore Business Park, Ellesmere Port, CH65 3EN.