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

Saturday, 25 March 2023 00:00

As clocks go forward this weekend, Wiltshire Council will launch a new drive to encourage more people to spring into action and foster with Wiltshire Council.

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.

More from Local News

Shops to stay open for 'Festive Shopping' evening

Shops will open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, for an evening of festive shopping in Salisbury, the City of the Stars, this Christmas.
A step towards a safer community as Speedwatch group gets underway

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council saw their inaugural Community Speedwatch get underway this month after some initial setbacks.
Trainee teacher takes part in prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show in London to raise awareness of liver disease

A trainee teacher and marathon runner who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London last Saturday, representing the British Liver Trust, the UK’s leading liver health charity.
Residents encouraged to ‘Ask the Leader’ at event in Amesbury

Wiltshire Council is continuing to host its series of community events across the county where people can ask questions to find out more about the work of the council, with the Leader of the Council having visited 16 of Wiltshire’s 18 community areas so far.
Three men arrested in connection with van break-in series

Wiltshire Police have arrested three people in connection with an investigation into thefts from vans across the county, during which thousands of pounds worth of power tools have been stolen.
Wiltshire Council working hard to reduce overspend

Wiltshire Council has provided its second formal update of the 2024/25 financial year, which shows its previously forecasted overspending has reduced significantly.
Wiltshire's recycling collection to change from 2027

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed its future approach to collecting recycling when its current contracts to carry out this service come to an end in 2026.
Salisbury based trains fitted with new anti-slip tech

A new initiative between Network Rail and South Western Railway has more than doubled the number of trains treating the railway and keeping the tracks leaf-free this Autumn.