MORE foster carers are needed in Suffolk as the county does not have enough for all the children and young people who need them. Suffolk County Council's fostering service is appealing to people who have contemplated fostering to get in touch.

MORE foster carers are needed in Suffolk as the county does not have enough for all the children and young people who need them.

Suffolk County Council's fostering service is appealing to people who have contemplated fostering to get in touch.

There is a shortfall of over 10,000 foster carers in the UK and this figure is reflected across Suffolk

In an effort to recruit more carers the council's fostering service will be supporting this year's Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from May 17-30.

The national campaign, led by the charity Fostering Network, hopes to encourage more people to come forward to foster.

This year the council is aiming to recruit at least 30 new foster carers through the campaign.

The fostering team are keen to talk to anyone who has ever considered fostering, to reassure them about the challenges involved and highlight the rewards which can come from looking after a child.

Foster carers from ethnic minority groups are particularly in demand, as well as individuals able to care for teenagers and children with disabilities. The fostering team provide allowances in line with the Fostering Networks recommendations.

Training is provided and all foster carers have access to 24-hour help and are linked to a supporting staff member.

Throughout the campaign the Suffolk fostering service will be visiting a number of towns to offer information. They will be at the Britten Shopping Centre, Lowestoft, from 10am-3pm on May 20 and at Tesco in George Westwood Way, Beccles, on May 27, from 10am-3pm.

To find out more about fostering call 0800 328 2148 or visit www.suffolkfostering.com