Move to foster – new campaign to encourage more foster carers is launched

Wiltshire Council staff, foster carers and other runners are taking part in the “Move To Foster” campaign pledging to run, walk, and exercise up to 10,000 kilometres before the clocks go back again in October.

To start the campaign off in style, a number of those taking part will join the 5k, 10k or fun run at this weekend’s Calne Clock Challenge - Calne Clock Change Challenge - Wiltshire Council

And all runners taking part will be donning a special kit which promotes fostering with Wiltshire Council and how to get in touch to find out more about the rates, training and support that is provided.

There is a real mixture of people taking part, including those prepping for the London Marathon and others mastering the Couch to 5k programme.

The latest campaign is encouraging more people to foster with Wiltshire Council and help recruit an additional 30 carers this coming year to ensure children in care can find a home in Wiltshire. Ensure every one of our children achieves their optimal physical, emotional and mental health

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, will be lining up to take part in the 10k run this weekend. She said: “I’m looking forward to helping launch this challenge. We have approximately 70 people signed up and more joining us.

"'Move To Foster' is about running, walking, exercising and going to the gym – all the while aiming for that 10,000-kilometre target.

"More importantly, people taking part will be wearing information about fostering with Wiltshire Council and how you can get in touch.

“We want people to contact us to find out more about fostering. We provide good fostering rates and excellent training and support to help you succeed as a foster carer.

"This year we want to encourage 30 more foster carers to join us and provide a warm, safe home for children in our care. We’d love people to contact us to find out more.”

Wiltshire Council is having an online bring a cuppa and questions evening on Thursday, 30 March, from 6 pm – 7 pm which people can join on Microsoft Teams - JOIN HERE

Fostering with your local council means all money is spent on frontline services, and the child is more likely to be able to stay close to their school, friends and family networks. The council is increasing its fostering rates again from April so that they will be from £380 to £710 a week depending on people’s skills and experience.

Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care and seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss.

For more information, visit www.fosteringwiltshire.uk, email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk, call 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.