More foster carers than ever needed to provide homes for children in Gateshead
As a result of the pandemic and the rising cost-of-living, there are more looked after children in Gateshead than ever before - with the number of children cared for by the Council rising by a significant 10% since 2020.
As part of this year's Foster Care Fortnight campaign (9-22 May), Gateshead Council are keen to hear from anyone who would like to become part of its fostering community.
There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. Gateshead's community of foster carers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and careers.
Anyone over the age of 21 who is fit and healthy enough to care for a child and has a spare room can find out more about becoming a foster carer and those eligible will receive a Weekly payment ranging from £100 to £440 per child, depending on skills, knowledge, experience and the type of placement offered.
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Early Help at Gateshead Council, said: "All children in Gateshead have the right to grow up in a loving home where their needs are met and they are given the chance to live thriving lives.
"The impact of the past two years has been significant for many people across the borough, but even more so for our most vulnerable children, young people and families. Now more than ever, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they have what it takes to welcome a child or young person into their home and over them the best chance to thrive in Gateshead.
"By choosing to foster with Gateshead, you will be supported every step of the way. If you think you've got the qualities to become part of our fostering community, take the opportunity to take the first step during Foster Care Fortnight."
Councillor Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said: "Children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do here at Gateshead.
"We know how challenging the pandemic has been and whilst our fantastic team have never stopped supporting families, sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to bring a child into our care.
"I also want to take this opportunity to thank our existing community of foster carers and social workers for their amazing work and commitment to providing the best care possible for our looked after children. They have been able to continue doing an incredible job and we couldn't be more grateful for that."
To find out more, visit Foster with Gateshead or call the team directly on 0191 433 8333 between 8.30am and 5pm (Monday - Thursday) and 8.30am and 4.30pm (Friday).
As a result of the pandemic and the rising cost-of-living, there are more looked after children in Gateshead than ever before - with the number of children cared for by the Council rising by a significant 10% since 2020.
As part of this year's Foster Care Fortnight campaign (9-22 May), Gateshead Council are keen to hear from anyone who would like to become part of its fostering community.
There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. Gateshead's community of foster carers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and careers.
Anyone over the age of 21 who is fit and healthy enough to care for a child and has a spare room can find out more about becoming a foster carer and those eligible will receive a Weekly payment ranging from £100 to £440 per child, depending on skills, knowledge, experience and the type of placement offered.
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Early Help at Gateshead Council, said: "All children in Gateshead have the right to grow up in a loving home where their needs are met and they are given the chance to live thriving lives.
"The impact of the past two years has been significant for many people across the borough, but even more so for our most vulnerable children, young people and families. Now more than ever, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they have what it takes to welcome a child or young person into their home and over them the best chance to thrive in Gateshead.
"By choosing to foster with Gateshead, you will be supported every step of the way. If you think you've got the qualities to become part of our fostering community, take the opportunity to take the first step during Foster Care Fortnight."
Councillor Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said: "Children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do here at Gateshead.
"We know how challenging the pandemic has been and whilst our fantastic team have never stopped supporting families, sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to bring a child into our care.
"I also want to take this opportunity to thank our existing community of foster carers and social workers for their amazing work and commitment to providing the best care possible for our looked after children. They have been able to continue doing an incredible job and we couldn't be more grateful for that."
To find out more, visit Foster with Gateshead or call the team directly on 0191 433 8333 between 8.30am and 5pm (Monday - Thursday) and 8.30am and 4.30pm (Friday).
