Chance to have a coffee with foster carer at Horden event

Foster carer Bev Halliman, decided to take on the role after looking for something more fulfilling in life, and is now sharing her experience to encourage others to do the same during Foster Care Fortnight.

It is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of fostering and the need for more foster carers.

Bev said: “I decided to become a foster carer as I work with children and wanted to do more.

“I don’t have children of my own and was looking for something more fulfilling in life.

“Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences of all - seeing a child happy and the difference you can make to their life.

Now prospective carers can come along to a coffee morning event in Horden to chat with other carers and find out more about the role.

As part of the fortnight, which runs nationally from May 16 to 29, carers across the UK are organising coffee mornings to give members of the public the opportunity to find out more about what it’s like to foster.

In County Durham, carers have arranged a coffee morning at Horden Centennial Centre in Horden, between 10am and noon on Wednesday, May 23.

At the meeting members of the public can learn how there are lots of reasons why children need foster carers. Often it’s because of problems at home and the youngsters need someone to look after them while social workers and other professionals are working with their family.

The coffee morning, supported by Durham County Council’s fostering service, gives people the opportunity to meet foster carers to hear about their experiences of caring for children.

Anyone attending can learn about the different types of foster care and how they can get started.

Bev added: “I’m happy to chat with people about the different types of fostering and how you can start a career as a foster carer.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the council’s fostering service on 03000 269 400 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering