Alpha Plus Fostering extends warm invitation to local residents interested in finding out more about fostering on Sunday 4th July, Village Hotel, Blackpool
As post-pandemic demand for foster carers soars1, Alpha Plus Fostering is urging Blackpool residents interested in providing a loving, nurturing home for a child in need to join them and find out more about fostering at 10.30am – 1.30pm on Sunday 4th July at the Village Hotel, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 8LL. Alpha Plus Fostering is part of the National Fostering Group – the largest independent fostering provider in the UK.
“Everyone is welcome – people of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, physical abilities and the LGBT+ community. You can be single, married, a homeowner or a tenant. Anyone over 21, who is kind and loving, is willing to learn and work with other professionals, with a spare room and the time to care for a child who may have had a challenging start to life, has the potential to become a foster carer, and do probably the most fulfilling job ever,” said Nicky Saggerson, Carer Recruitment Officer, Alpha Plus.
In a series of short fact-filled sessions Nicky, together with Supervising Social Worker Laura Carr, will explain the process involved in becoming a foster carer – the initial home visit, application and assessment and preparation involved for life as a foster parent. Fostering finances and the training and support available to foster carers making the journey will also be discussed.
“My advice is, think about what you want your role as a foster parent to look like. Fostering is a vast field so choose what works for you, for example, you might choose to become a shorter term foster parent, because you feel able to offer a child a home for a just a few years or you may decide you only want to foster teenagers. Be flexible and stay open, you will get guidance as to how your skills can best be utilised. There is lots of training and support available to you so why not grab the opportunity and make a difference to a child’s future?” said Nicky. The Alpha Plus team will be on hand to answer any questions.
For more information about the event and how you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people in your local community by becoming a foster carer, please email Nicky at nsaggerson@alphaplusfostering.co.uk or visit https://www.nfa.co.uk/alpha-plus-fostering/ today and start your highly rewarding fostering adventure!
1. 44% post-pandemic increase in looked after children in need of a loving home
In the North West there are currently over 15,130 Looked After Children – one of the highest in the entire country – source ‘LA – Children looked after at 31 March by characteristics’ from ‘Children looked after in England including adoptions’, Permanent data table – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK (explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk)
