Cumbria Fostering launches latest recruitment campaign to find more local foster carers
Cumbria Fostering launches latest recruitment campaign to find more local foster carers
Cumbria Fostering is urging more people across the county to consider fostering as it launches its latest recruitment campaign to find safe, stable and loving homes for local children.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the urgent need for foster carers for children of all ages and circumstances, including siblings who need to stay together, teenagers, and children requiring long-term care.
As part of the campaign, local foster carers Stacy and Michael Tear from Workington are sharing their own fostering journey to encourage others to find out more.
What began as caring for family members through kinship arrangements has grown into a rewarding fostering role that has helped transform the lives of children while also supporting other fostering families through Cumbria Fostering’s Mockingbird programme.
Stacy said: “If you can make a difference to one child, that’s one child who can then go on to make a difference to other people.”
The couple currently provide a long-term home for a young boy and say fostering has become an important part of family life.
Speaking about their experience, Stacy added: “The little boy we’ve got now is just like our little boy. He’s fitted into our family. He’s like a missing part of our jigsaw.”
Michael, who gave up work to became a full-time foster carer, says fostering has given him a renewed sense of purpose. He said: “It gives you a sense that you’re giving back to the community. You’re doing something that’s useful to people and making a positive difference to a child’s life.”
For the couple, one of the greatest rewards is seeing children grow in confidence and achieve their potential.
Stacy said: “Watching children grow, gain confidence and overcome challenges is what makes fostering so special.”
Michael added: “That’s the reward. Seeing where a child starts and where they are now, and knowing you’ve had a positive impact on their life, is really special.”
Like all Cumbria Fostering carers, Stacy and Michael receive ongoing support, training and guidance. As Mockingbird Hub Carers, they also help provide practical and emotional support to other fostering families, creating a strong network around children and carers.
There are many misconceptions about fostering, but Cumbria Fostering stresses that carers come from all walks of life. People can be single, married, working, retired, home owners or tenants, and there is a range of fostering opportunities available depending on individual circumstances.
Anyone interested in learning more is invited to attend one of the upcoming information events taking place across the county:
- Tuesday 13 October – Drop-in session at Penrith Library, 12pm to 1pm
- Wednesday 14 October – Drop-in session at Workington Library, 1pm to 2pm
- Saturday 17 October – Information stand at The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle, 1pm to 3pm
- Wednesday 21 October – Online information session, 7pm.
- Thursday 22 October – Information evening at the Holiday Inn, Barrow, from 7pm.
To find out more and reserve a place at our online event or Barrow information evening please visit cumbriafostering.org.uk
Every child deserves a safe, stable and nurturing home. Could you make a lifelong difference to a child in Cumbria? Get in touch today to begin your fostering journey.
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