People interested in becoming foster carers are invited to drop into Mansfield Library on Thursday, 16th February, from 3.15pm to 5.15pm, to find out more and speak to an existing foster carer.

Nottinghamshire County Council fostering recruitment officer Elaine Mills said: “This session is very informal and is for those considering becoming foster carers who would like to find out more.

“One of our existing foster carers will also be on hand to provide a personal and account of what it’s like to foster and to answer any questions.

“Next Thursday’s drop-in session is a chance for those interested to ask us questions in person and get more information even if they are only in the very early stages of contemplating the idea of fostering.

“We are looking for foster carers for children and young people of all ages, but are especially interested in speaking to anyone with a particular interest in fostering sibling groups, older children or children and young people with more complex needs where our need is greatest.”

The council currently has 795 looked-after children within Nottinghamshire – and 484 of these children are aged 11 or over and many may be part of sibling groups of two, three or more children aged five or older.

The council’s most recent fostering campaign looked at how fostering not only changes the lives for the better of the children and young people that find loving homes, it also makes a positive difference to the lives of foster carers.

Coun Kate Foale, vice-chairman of the council’s Children and Young People’s Committee and lead on children’s social care, said: “There is no doubt that fostering offers carers opportunities to give something back as well as a chance to broaden or change their horizons. Foster carers tell me that they get a real sense of achievement when they see they have made a difference to a young person’s life.

“That sense of achievement might have come through seeing them doing well in exams or a chosen career, introducing them to a new hobby, watching them develop lasting friendships or simply giving them confidence to tackle any hurdles they may come across in their young lives.

“Not only does fostering give those who do it the opportunity to change children’s lives for the better, our foster carers are the first to tell you what a positive difference it makes to their own lives given the challenges and rewards it gives them in abundance.”

Fostering service manager Naomi Sills added: “As well as the the rewards of changing a child’s life, we also provide our foster carers with excellent support and training.

“You just need to be loving, understanding and resilient and have the personality to make a positive impact on children’s lives.”

The council will also be holding other similar drop-in events at Edwinstowe, Blidworth and Worksop libraries over the next few months.

To find out more about fostering, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 500 8080.