New campaign launched in Havering to encourage residents to foster

Residents in Havering are being encouraged to consider fostering

Havering Council has launched a new campaign to encourage more residents to become foster carers.

A package of benefits has been put together to help people care for some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.

These include financial support and council tax relief up to £2,000 for active fosters carers inside and outside the borough.

Complimentary access to Havering’s leisure centres for all carers and the children in their care is being offered.

Havering Council is also offering free green bin collections for residents and free parking in Council-owned car parks and resident bays for all carers.

The borough currently has children from a variety of backgrounds and ages who are in need of a home.

Anyone from approximately 25 years old can apply, with additional training and extra round-the-clock support also available.

Deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, Councillor Robert Benham said: “Being a foster carer is one of the most valuable roles that an adult can play in a young person’s life.

“We have so many children waiting to find a long-term foster home that it is important that we ensure that we look after the carer as well as the people they are caring for.

“We hope our bumper package of benefits will attract more people to take on the role of making an invaluable difference to a young person’s life.

“In return they will receive full training, council tax relief, free access to our leisure centres, free parking in council car parks and many other great rewards.”

Anyone looking to find out more on fostering, should head to the Havering Council website.

Foster carer and fostering ambassador Eileen Casey said: “I’ve been a foster carer for many years and the benefits to both myself and to the children have been enormous.

“I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.

“It’s also important that foster carers know that training and support is always available. They are never left to just get on with it, but help and advice is there even before they need it.”

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