THE councillor who has taken on the mantle of responsibility for children and education in Thurrock has spoken of the need for local residents to step up to the plate and help care for the borough's young people in need.

As part this year's Foster Care Fortnight which runs from Monday, 10 May to Sunday, 23 May Cllr Barry Johnson, who has switched portfolio responsibility from housing, has spoken of the need for 'loving, caring and nurturing people.'

Cllr Johnson said: "There are many reasons why a child or young person may find themselves in foster care. It is not an easy time for these children and young people, but our fostering team work tirelessly to find a suitable placement for them with the best possible foster carers.

"We are very proud of the foster carers we have. I can't stress enough how many more loving, caring and nurturing people we need to play what is a pivotal role in providing stability and safety in the lives of these children and young people, so that they can have the best start in life possible.

"This is why alongside all the great localised support and financial benefits, we offer foster carers in Thurrock who foster with Thurrock Council a Council Tax exemption."

This year the council has been highlighting the work of fostering services alongside personal testimonies from foster carers. The fostering team has been running virtual information sessions throughout Foster Care Fortnight with the next session on Friday 21 May at 10am.

Find out more about fostering in Thurrock and register your place on the virtual information sessions via this link.