Campaign aims high to recruit more foster carers in Nottinghamshire

Launching the new campaign, 60 Edwinstowe children from St Mary’s C of E and King Edwin Primary Schools formed a giant ‘200’ to represent the number of foster placements needed.

Pupils then joined Nottinghamshire County Council’s chairman, councillor Kevin Rostance, vice-chairman of children and young people’s committee, councillor Tracey Taylor, as well as Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, to mark the start of a 200 tree-planting project dedicated to Nottinghamshire’s looked after children.

Youngsters planted the first 20 trees near the visitor centre. The remaining 180 will be planted in the coming weeks by RSPB volunteers. All 200 trees have been donated by the Woodland Trust.

Councillor Tracey Taylor said: “The number of children in care in Nottinghamshire has been steadily rising, so this campaign is absolutely vital. We have set a high target of recruiting at least 200 new fosters carers.

“By launching our campaign at the iconic Sherwood Forest Country Park and planting new trees, it helps sends the message that foster carers help lay vital roots for children in care by giving them a stable and loving home.”

Sophie Eadsforth, group manager of the county council’s fostering services, said: “Foster carers make such a huge difference to the lives of the young people they care for. They often talk about how rewarding the role of being a foster carer is and the sense of achievement they feel when they make a breakthrough with a young person in their care.

“There are many different types of foster care including full-time and part-time roles, so if you are interested in fostering, please get in touch and we will help match you to the right type of fostering for you.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about fostering can visit the website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/fostering, call 0115 804 4440 or follow the Facebook page www.facebook.com/fosternotts.

On the website you can find out when free monthly information evenings are held and download an information pack.