Dartmoor Zoo gives free tickets to Plymouth foster families

Plymouth's foster families can take a walk on the wild side at Dartmoor Zoo - completely free of charge. Council bosses said they were "blown away" by the zoo's "generous offer".

It will see a free family ticket given to each of the city council's 109 foster families. Also included are connected carers at Foster for Plymouth, Plymouth City Council's own fostering service, who are foster carers looking after a child or children who are members of their own family.

Dartmoor Zoo has also committed to supporting Foster for Plymouth with free use of space at the zoo for events. It is also running fostering adverts on screens at no cost.

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Councillor Jemima Laing, cabinet member for children’s social care, said: “We were genuinely blown away by this generous offer from Dartmoor Zoo. Our foster carers work so hard and have such an important role supporting children and young people in Plymouth, ensuring they have a safe, loving family home to live in.

“We really appreciate this kind donation, which mean all of our foster children and their carers can enjoy fantastic days out at the zoo, spending quality time together and making amazing memories."

Dartmoor Zoo’s chief executive, David Gibson, said: “As soon as I learned about the challenge that Foster for Plymouth is currently facing trying to find new foster carers in the city, I knew we had to help. Dartmoor Zoo has always been focused on creating a nurturing, caring environment for families and individuals so this is a cause we can really get behind. We are very much looking forward to working with Foster for Plymouth."

More than 500 children are currently in the care of the local authority and more foster carers are needed. Foster for Plymouth aims to provide local homes for children in the care of the local authority, which means they can stay somewhere familiar and remain at their own schools, in contact with friends and family members.

If you are over 21, have a spare room and are interested in the possibility of fostering, you can find out more at fosterforplymouth.co.uk. Local businesses who would like to support Foster for Plymouth can email fostering@plymouth.gov.uk to speak to a member of the team.