FtSE Member News: Barnardo's Vice President writes letter in The Star asking readers to consider foster care

I am vice-president of Barnardo’s and I’m hoping to highlight the urgent need for more foster carers across the UK.

Loving, stable homes are needed for over 7,000 children in England – particularly in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham.

As someone who grew up in the care system, I know the difference a happy childhood makes and having someone who believes in you when you’re starting out in the world. The longer children are without the stability of a permanent family, the more damage is done. I am therefore delighted to lend my support to Barnardo’s this September.

I was brought up by my foster mother, Violet. She was a feisty woman who convinced me I could achieve anything if I set my mind to it. Violet was a seamstress and through watching her at work I developed a keen interest in fashion and design.

The care system has changed since I was a boy. Today the support and training available for foster carers is excellent. As a fostering agency, it is Barnardo’s aim to recruit suitable carers to provide safe and reliable homes for the most vulnerable children in our society.

The charity does not exclude on the grounds of marital status, sexual orientation, disability or employment status. There is no upper age limit. Please take a moment and think about whether you could foster.

Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption or call 0870 2408342.

Bruce Oldfield

Source: www.thestar.co.uk/news/letters-opinion/consider-foster-care-and-make-a-real-difference-1-6124030

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