A community roadshow aimed at raising awareness of fostering and encouraging more local people to support children in care will launch in Ashburton and Buckfastleigh next month.
The 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 visit communities across Devon, encouraging people to learn about fostering and think about how they can help children and young people stay close to the places they call home.
The first event was developed with Devon County Councillor Stuart Rogers, whose passion for fostering support in his community inspired 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 can hear from local foster carers, meet the fostering team, join discussions and learn about different ways to support children in care. Whether you are thinking about fostering or just want to know more, everyone is welcome.
More foster carers are needed to help children stay close to their schools, friends, family networks and communities. Increasing local fostering capacity means fewer children have to move away from Devon for care.
Liz Pearson Clark, 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 runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday 1 September at Buckfastleigh Town Hall. Refreshments will be available, and attendees can speak informally with experienced foster carers and the fostering team.
If you have ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, this is a chance to find out in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Find out more at fosteringdevon.org.uk or call 0345 155 1077 for an informal chat with the team.
Community Roadshow to Encourage Fostering in Devon