Council appeals for more foster parents

Residents who are interested in finding out more about the flexible fostering opportunities available are invited to come and have a chat with Tameside Council’s Fostering team.

The Fostering team will be visiting a range of towns in the borough this winter, with stalls being held on:

• Friday, November 22, 5pm – 8pm, Stalybridge Christmas Light Switch On, Armentieres Square
• Saturday, December 7, 4pm – 6pm, Denton Christmas Light Switch On, Denton Civic Square
• Tuesday, December 10, 4pm – 6pm, Active Hyde, SK14 5PL
• Friday, December 20, 1pm – 4pm, Cineworld, Ashton-under-Lyne
• Wednesday, January 15, 4pm – 6pm, Active Hyde, SK14 5PL

As of the end of October 2024, there were 641 cared for children in Tameside.

Tameside Council are always looking for more residents to become local foster carers to provide a normal, everyday family life for vulnerable children.

The council provides foster carers with full training, support and an allowance. Each foster carer is appointed a dedicated social worker, who offers support and guidance throughout the fostering journey.

All foster carers are also incorporated into a buddy system where anyone can access advice or support from experienced foster carers to ensure foster carers are never alone at any stage of the process.

Fostering isn’t always full-time or long-term. In Tameside, there are various different fostering opportunities, such as emergency, respite, short-term and many more. Therefore, it can be flexible to resident’s lifestyles, schedules and environments.

The council’s fostering service is not for profit, and the priority is the welfare of the children and young people.

The criteria to apply is to be aged 21 or over, have a spare room in your property, and to be able to provide a safe and loving home. People from all backgrounds can apply.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s and Families, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “I’d like to encourage anyone who’s considering fostering, or even if you are intrigued to ask a couple of questions to come on down and start the conversation with our fostering team to see what would work best for you.”

For more information on fostering with Tameside Council call 0300 303 0321 or email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/fostering