THURROCK Council is continuing its drive to attract more foster carers to make a difference to the lives of borough children and young people by opening their homes and family to care for children who need to live away from their families.

An online event will take place on Thursday, 10 February, Orsett Hall Hotel is to play host to a session later in the month.

Cabinet member for children's services Cllr Barry Johnson, says: "We are delighted our residents and those living around Thurrock are hearing about the opportunity to join Thurrock Council's fostering community and the wonderful opportunities it offers to help support and shape a young person's life.

"We currently have a very encouraging increase in our applications and assessments for potential foster carers, but we won't stop there, the high demand for more foster carers in Thurrock still remains.

"In Thurrock there are lots of opportunities to foster, supporting children of all ages including placements which will mean that brothers and sisters can stay together. We are committed to recruiting in house foster carers who will work for and with the local authority as part of a team, alongside social workers who know our children.

"This option provides a much more successful outcome for children when compared to residential or high cost placements, that can cost in excess of £20k a week, are many miles from children's homes, school and friends."

Thurrock Fostering Team is holding a virtual information session on Thursday, 10 February, 10am to midday. An in-person information event will also take place on Monday, 28 February, 6pm to 8pm in the boardroom at Orsett Hall Hotel.

If you would like the link to the virtual session, would like to sign up to attend the in-person event or to make an enquiry, visit: thurrock.gov.uk/fostering or call the team on 0800 652 1256.