Coffee and cake afternoon to encourage more Liverpool foster carers to come forward

A fostering agency is holding a coffee afternoon in Liverpool to encourage more foster carers to come forward.

Beacon Fostering is offering a free cuppa and cake along with information for anyone wanting to learn more about fostering and the benefits it can bring.

Jack Gill, recruitment support officer for Beacon Fostering which has an office in the city as well as bases in Preston and Manchester, says: “There’s a real shortage of foster carers in Liverpool and the North West, and we are trying to raise awareness and answer some of the questions people considering fostering might have to encourage them to come forward.

“At the moment there are more children and young people coming into care but not the families to match them with, and that means more children going into the care system instead of a home environment, without the love and stability that offers.”

He adds: “There are a number of reasons why a child might go into foster care for days, weeks, or even months.  It can be trauma and difficulties at home, the loss of parents, or a child might have disabilities a parent is unable to cope with.  It can even be a single parent family, and that parent needs to go into hospital.

“There are many reasons why a child might need foster care – and as many benefits it can bring to a child and the carer.

“It can have a huge impact on a child’s life and be so rewarding for the carer.”

The coffee afternoon is being held at Caffè Nero in St Peter’s Arcade, Liverpool ONE on Tuesday, January 21, between 3.30pm and 5pm.

And Jack says it’s open to anyone with any questions about fostering, or those who just want to find out more.

“We have a website and hold virtual sessions so people can ask questions and find out more online, but we realised that some people prefer to meet face-to-face and this gives us the chance to do that.

“There will be staff from our recruitment team there to answer any questions or concerns people might have, as well as offering general information.

“It’s a way of having an initial meet-up with anyone who’s interested.”

He goes on: “People may not realise that there is financial support available for foster carers or that, as an agency, we offer training and emotional support – we have a 24-hour helpline so if anyone needs anything at any time, or they have an emergency or need assistance, we are there for them.

“With a shortage of carers it is difficult, but we are there to support people who can help children and offer them stable and consistent care in their own home, as well as family life and support.

“Our aim is to make sure these children have brighter futures.

“It is a big adjustment to family life and living arrangements, but it can be a very worthwhile career.

“There are so many positives to foster care, and seeing the difference you can make as a carer to a child’s life is one of them.”

Anyone interested in attending the coffee afternoon at Caffè Nero on January 21 can register via Eventbrite here.

For more info on Beacon Fostering click here.

For the latest news around Liverpool City Region click here.