Fostering News: Gareth Gates throws his support behind Foster Care Fortnight 2012

Gareth Gates, star of stage and screen, is supporting this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, the Fostering Network’s annual recruitment and awareness campaign.

Running from 14-27 May, Foster Care Fortnight brings together fostering services from throughout the UK to recruit foster carers and raise the profile of fostering.

The singer has thrown his support behind this year’s campaign because he feels that, as the son of a foster carer, more people need to take up the mantle of caring for children in our communities. With 8,750 more foster families needed this year alone the campaign is more important than ever.

Gareth said of his experiences: “When I was growing up, I was always surrounded by lots of other children. In addition to my three sisters my Mum and Dad fostered children. Over the years around 50 boys and girls of all ages, from different backgrounds have been a part of our family.

Foster carers from all backgrounds and experiences are needed so that children with often complex needs and a wide variety of interests can be found the placement that will give them the best opportunity in the future.

Gareth continued, “My parents wanted to give other children some of the security and love that we had. Many of the kids who came into our family didn’t have a great start in life and I know my Mum and Dad made a huge difference.

“I have seen first-hand, what a difference a foster carer can make on a child’s life. That’s why I’m supporting the Fostering Network with this year’s Foster Care Fortnight.”

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: “As the son of foster carers, he knows the extraordinary contribution that they make to society as whole but most importantly, the individual children that they help and nurture.

“We are absolutely delighted that Gareth is supporting the campaign and helping us raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.”

You can find out more about becoming a foster carer and about the exciting events going on in your area during Foster Care Fortnight by visiting our website, www.couldyoufoster.org.uk or by contacting your local fostering service.

Source:  www.fostering.net