Ref: PR2212
Date: 05/05/09

Fostering Fortnight is on the way to promote and celebrate foster care.

A host of promotional events will be taking place across the district, which will also highlight the urgent need for more foster carers.

Wakefield Council is organising the district-wide events to coincide with the national two-week long campaign, which will see other Councils taking part.

Cllr Pat Garbutt, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: "It’s fantastic to be involved in this fortnight and help spread the word.

"Our Council has taken the initiative and launched the Room fostering campaign which has already seen more people contact us about potentially becoming a foster carer.

"By being part of the national fortnight, we can hopefully attract even more people who want to make a difference and change a child’s life for the better."

This year Fostering Fortnight takes place from May 11 to 23 and the Council’s Family Services have organised for a special bus to tour the district, handing out information and goodie bags along the way.

The promotional bus will be in Wakefield city centre, near the cathedral, on May 16, 20 and 23, from 9am to 4pm.

The bus will also be at South Elmsall market on the May 19 from 9am to 4pm. There will also be a special marquee at Pontefract market on May 13 from 9am to 4pm.

For more information on fostering, visit Wakefield Council’s campaign site at www.room-in-wakefield.co.uk (see related links) or call 0800 197 0320.

 End