MONDAY (10 May) will bring the start of Foster Care Fortnight and Thurrock Council's fostering team are backing up the event with a series of information events.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK's biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

It supports fostering services to highlight the need for more foster carers, of which there is great need in Thurrock.

New foster families are needed every year to care for children, with the greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

Thurrock fostering team business development manager Paula Millsom says: "If you have been thinking about fostering for a while or are an existing foster carer looking for new challenges and experiences, join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to find out more including our new and very competitive fostering allowances.

"These information sessions are an opportunity to view a short presentation, chat with the Fostering Recruitment Team and with current foster carers who will be able to answer any of your questions.

"Please email [email protected] to confirm which information session you would like to join and the team will send you the online link for your chosen date.

The sessions, which take place on Zoom, will take place at the following times:

Tuesday 11 May 2021 6pm to 8pm – presentation will start at 6.05pm

Friday 21 May 2021 10am to midday – presentation will start at 10.05am

Wednesday 9 June 2021 6pm to 8pm – presentation will start at 6.05pm

Monday 21 June 2021 10am to midday – presentation will start at 10.05am

Friday 2 July 2021 6pm to 8pm – presentation will start at 6.05pm

Tuesday 20 July 2021 10am to midday – presentation will start at 10.05am

For additional dates visit thurrock.gov.uk/fostering

For additional dates or to find more information on the benefits of becoming a Thurrock foster carer visit the Thurrock fostering website.