Bracknell

Foster carers are being invited to become ambassadors to help recruit more Bracknell carers during national Foster Care Fortnight (May 8 to 21).

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Family Placement Team has designed a word-of-mouth pack (WOM-pack) that's being given to foster carers to hand out when friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues ask them about fostering.

The Bracknell pack contains information about how people of all backgrounds can become foster carers and answers questions about what fostering involves.

It also contains business cards that can be carried in a wallet or purse and handed out to encourage people to contact the family placement team or check out the Council's website.

As well as lots of background information, the website also includes a no-obligation, online expression of interest form.

Around 50 packs have been handed out to local foster carers so far and the team is also planning to use them at promotional events and open evenings too.

The next open evening will be held on July 13 at Bracknell Family Centre, Warfield Road, Bracknell from 7 to 9pm.

Juliette Thomas, Bracknell Family Placement Team Leader said: "We're hoping the WOM-packs will help existing foster carers to help us encourage others to think about fostering.

"Our foster carers have a great story to tell about the rewards and challenges of the job.

"Anyone can apply to foster and by showing how fostering can fit into every day life and sit happily with jobs and families we hope to get even more people interested."

Foster Care Fortnight is the national campaign organised by fostering charity the Fostering Network.

Fore more information about becoming a foster carer or the open evening in July call 01344 351582, email: fostering@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption

Bracknell Forest Borough Council