THURROCK Council has alerts borough residents to a virtual workshop taking place next week which offers help and advice to those who are looking after children on behalf of a family or friend.

The free private fostering workshop will take place on Friday, 11 December, offering advice and guidance to residents, volunteers and professionals.

Cllr James Halden, the council's cabinet member for children's and adults social care, said: "Our virtual workshops are a great opportunity for attendees to learn how to identify and recognise what private fostering is.

"It can often go unnoticed that someone caring for a child under the age of 16, or 18 if disabled, away from their home, who is not a parent or close relative is actually part of a private fostering arrangement.

"We want to make sure that all children cared for in this way are known to the council and kept safe. Through workshops such as these, we can work with our residents and support them in providing the best care possible for our children."

The Microsoft Teams workshop will take place from 10am to midday.

For more information and to book your free place, email [email protected] with the names of who wish to take place. You will be sent details of the meeting and how to join closer to the event.