Nottingham City Council is on the lookout for some special people this Christmas to make 2016 a year to remember for 25 Nottingham teenagers.
Teenagers are one of the hardest groups to find foster homes for nationally and young people age 13 to 17 currently represent 50% of those in need of care in Nottingham City. These young people come from all backgrounds and many will have suffered loss or neglect at some point in their lives. The campaign will highlight this need and hopefully start the process of recruiting energetic and supportive fosters carers to meet this need now and in the future.
At the time of year when our thoughts naturally turn to family, caring and helping other less fortunate people, it is hoped that people will engage with the portraits of teenagers used in the campaign posters and the social media campaign which will countdown the twenty-five days to Christmas.
To become an approved foster carer takes a minimum of six months so the council are thinking ahead this Christmas by launching a new and eye-catching campaign in a bid to recruit the foster carers of tomorrow.
Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years at Nottingham City Council, said: “Christmas is a time for all families to get together and share the joy of each other’s company.
“This seasonal campaign is about finding the next generation of loving carers for teenagers in Nottingham and I would urge anyone interested in caring for a teenager to find out more about this rewarding and fulfilling role. Recruiting suitable carers isn’t something which can be rushed or completed within the twenty-five days but we welcome enquiries from potential carers who want to work with us to provide loving and stable environments and help these young people reach their full potential.”
The campaign launched at Nottingham train station today where information was handed out about the process of becoming a foster carer. Anyone interested in fostering teenagers or children of any age can come along to open evenings held at Loxley House. The next ones are on December 9 and January 13. To book a place people can call the fostering team on 0115 876 3335