Grimsby town centre building gets a glow up to highlight 'urgent' need for foster carers
A Grimsby town centre building has been given a glow up to highlight the "urgent" need for new foster carers in North East Lincolnshire. New artwork can be seen on the ground floor windows of council building New Oxford House.
It depicts happy children of various ages, accompanied by the words "foster carers change lives" and "you can be the difference, enquire today". And it's all part of a bid to recruit new foster carers.
The campaign, which has been championing the work of local foster carers, has already been featured on the side of bin wagons, at bus stops and on social media. More local foster carers are needed in North East Lincolnshire to care for children and young people.
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Initial requirements for foster carers are that they should be over 21 years of age, have a spare room and the legal right to live and work in the UK. North East Lincolnshire Council says it has carers from all different backgrounds - including those who are single, couples, carers in a same-sex relationship, people who are not home owners, are unemployed or in low income employment, those who do or don’t have other children in the home and those who have a health problem.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "“The need for local foster carers is very urgent. There are children and young people, of all ages, who are unable to live in their family home. It’s vital that we are able to provide them with a safe and loving home.
“Without local foster carers, children going into care have to be sent to live out of the area, away from their friends, their school and their community. We are looking for people to offer full-time or short stay foster care opportunities for our children.
“The new artwork, which can be seen on the ground floor windows of New Oxford House, showcases some of the joy of being a foster carer, and I hope it’ll prompt people to get in touch. Really, this is an appeal. There are so many fantastic, passionate and loving people in our borough. We need them to come forward and join our fostering community.”
How to become a foster carer
The council's fostering team offers training to new foster carers and experienced foster carers. There is a network of local foster carers who meet up and support each other, and can answer any questions..
Foster carers are also provided with generous financial support.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and would like to find out more, call 01472 323966 or visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering/