Bracknell

Bracknell Residents will have the chance to find out more about the rewards of foster care next month at an open evening organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The Bracknell Council's Family Placement Team has organised the open event which will take place on March 8 at the Family and Adolescent Support Centre, 7 Portman Close, Bracknell from 7 to 9pm.

The no-commitment session is free is the latest in a series of events designed to give potential carers the low down on how to become a foster carer and how it fits in with their day-to-day life.

Juliette Thomas, Bracknell Family Placement Team Manager, said: "These events are a great way for people interested in becoming foster carers to find out what’s really involved.

"We have refocused our approach to recruiting foster carers to make sure potential candidates have a clear picture of what being it involves.

"Everyone's welcome to attend our open evening but anyone who can't make it can look at our website or give us a call.

Donna Gibbons, a Bracknell Forest foster carer who also volunteers to speak at the open evenings said: "I really love meeting and talking to people at the open evenings.

"Often they come along thinking that being a carer is going to be like hell on earth but once they have had a chance to chat it through with the Family Placement Team and with people like me – a carer with a husband and three kids of my own - they soon realise that it is possible and they could do it."

Some 800 foster carers are currently needed in the south east region.

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer. Bracknell Council offers flexible fostering options to suit you, your family and your lifestyle.

Contact the Bracknell Forest Family Placement Team on 01344 351582 or complete a no commitment online Expression of Interest form at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering

Bracknell Forest Borough Council