Residents invited to ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ sessions across Tameside

Residents across Tameside are being encouraged to attend a series of ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ information sessions if they have ever considered opening their hearts and homes to a local child or young person.

With children and young people in the borough currently looking for a place to call home, Tameside Council is appealing for more foster carers to come forward and help provide safe, stable and loving environments.

Tameside Council’s Fostering Service, alongside local foster carers, will be hosting a number of informal information sessions designed to give residents the opportunity to learn more about fostering and ask any questions they may have – with no obligation to sign up.

The upcoming sessions are:

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

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 for foster carers, including online opportunities to increase flexibility, as well as ongoing support and a financial allowance.

Anyone aged 21 or over can apply to foster, provided they have a spare room (unless fostering a child under the age of two) and are able to 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.

Anyone who would like to find out more without attending a session can call 0300 303 0321, email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.fosterforgm.com/tameside.