COULD you provide a safe and loving home for a foster child?

During Foster Care Fortnight, an annual campaign by the Fostering Network, Essex County Council hopes to encourage more people to take on the rewarding role. Every year up to 100 new foster families are needed as existing foster families retire.

During the fortnight, which runs from Monday, May 8 to Sunday, May 21, carers across Essex will share their photos of a teddy bear mascot under the hashtag #bearincare.

Inspired by The Elf on the Shelf craze, foster carers and social workers will take photographs of the bear out and about and hope to raise more than £1,000 for Essex Foster Care Association.

Councillor David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the massive difference fostering can make to children’s lives.“We have some wonderful foster carers in Essex and I am pleased so many of them are helping us to encourage more families to consider fostering.”

“I would encourage anyone who is interested to come along to one of our information events this month or get in touch via the website.”

The team will be at the Basildon Sporting Village on Saturday, May 20, to answer questions and give advice or visit essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering