A SERIES of virtual meetings are to take place across coming months to promote Thurrock Fostering service and the opportunities it offers for new or experienced carers to help change and shape the lives of children in need of support.

The virtual information sessions offer the opportunity to see a short presentation and chat with service staff about how they can engage with the Thurrock service. You don't need to live in the borough to be able to help.

Information will also be available about new fostering allowances, which includes exemption from council tax.

By clicking this link to a video, you can hear how becoming a foster carer in Thurrock has made a huge difference to one local family's lives.

The first online session takes place this week, on Wednesday, 20 October from 6 to 8pm. Others follow in November, December and January (see graphic).

The service recently joined joined forces with colleagues across the country to create a new film aimed at helping to find more foster carers who can provide homes for the children and young people who need them.

The short film, called 'Out There', highlights the ways fostering can make a difference to the lives of everyone involved, from the children and young people who live with foster carers, to those who come forward to care for them.

Thurrock Council cabinet member for children's services, Cllr Barry Johnson, said: "While we already have many brilliant foster carers in Thurrock, the reality is we urgently need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering.

"Children of all ages need your support, this can be for short periods, longer term or by providing short breaks for children with disabilities.

"Out There is an emotional and poignant depiction of how important and rewarding becoming a foster carer can be. It has been produced as part of a national project to encourage more people to become foster carers."

Anyone who is interested in taking part in the information sessions is invited to email [email protected] to confirm which information session you would like to join. The team will send you the online link for your chosen date.

You can also find out more information by visiting the service website.