A new community roadshow designed to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more local people to support children in care is launching next month.
Fostering Devon's new 'It Takes a Village' campaign will begin with a special evening event at Buckfastleigh Town Hall on Tuesday 1 September, bringing together foster carers, fostering professionals, community members and local leaders.
The roadshow will travel to communities across Devon, encouraging local people to learn more about fostering and consider the role they can play in helping children and young people stay close to the places they call home.
The first event in the series has been developed in partnership with local Devon County Councillor Stuart Rogers, whose passion for strengthening fostering support in his community helped inspire the wider campaign.
Councillor Stuart Rogers, Devon County Councillor for Ashburton and Buckfastleigh, said:
"We know that children thrive when they can stay connected to their local communities, schools, friends and support networks. That's why it's so important that we recruit more foster carers across Devon.
"I would ask residents to put themselves in the shoes of a young person being taken into care. Imagine having to leave your friends, your school and everything familiar because there isn't a foster home available nearby.
"By stepping forward as a foster carer, you could help a child stay closer to the people and places that matter most to them. Every foster carer can play a part in ensuring children and young people have the stability, support and sense of belonging they deserve."
Visitors will have the opportunity to hear directly from local foster carers, meet members of Devon's fostering team, take part in discussions, and learn more about the different ways they can support children and young people in care. Whether attendees are considering becoming a foster carer themselves or simply want to understand more about fostering, everyone is welcome.
Devon currently needs more foster carers to help children remain close to their schools, friends, family networks and communities. Increasing local fostering capacity means fewer children need to move away from Devon to receive the care and support they need.
Liz Pearson Clarke, Service Manager for Fostering Devon, said:
"Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways people can make a difference to a child's life. Through our 'It Takes a Village' campaign, we're inviting communities to come together and learn more about fostering and the vital role local support networks play.
"We urgently need more foster carers across Devon so that children can stay close to the people, schools and communities that matter to them. If you've ever wondered whether you could foster, we'd encourage you to come along and have a conversation. You don't need to have all the answers, and you'll be supported every step of the way."
The event takes place at Buckfastleigh Town Hall from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday 1 September. Refreshments will be available, and attendees will have the opportunity to speak informally with experienced foster carers and members of the fostering team.
Devon urgently needs more foster carers. If you've ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, this is an opportunity to find out more in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
Could you be a foster carer? Find out more at fosteringdevon.gov.uk or call the Fostering Devon enquiry line on 0345 155 1077 for an informal chat with the team.
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