NEW foster carers are needed by Dudley Council to help children and young people achieve their full potential.

The council’s fostering team’s new campaign, ‘I foster because…’ highlights some of the important reasons why foster carers foster and the difference this makes in a child’s life.

As part of the campaign’s launch the recruitment team is holding a number of drop-in sessions to give people the chance to find out more about fostering across the borough.

The sessions provide an opportunity for people who have an interest in fostering to find out more by speaking informally to a member of the fostering team and also to some of Dudley’s existing carers.

The next session takes place at Dudley Leisure Centre this Saturday (September 15) from 9am to 4pm, before the team start the week off at Saltwells EDC on Monday (September 17) from 10am to 1pm.

On Wednesday (September 19) they will be at Dudley College’s Broadway Campus from 4pm to 6.30pm and finish off on Friday (September 21) at The Cornbow Shopping Centre in Halesowen from 10am to 3pm.

Councillor Angus Lees, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We recognise the important role our carers play in the lives of children looked after in our borough.

“They are real life role-models and each and every one not only cares for but inspires the young people in their care.

“We’re always looking for new carers and we want people interested in fostering in Dudley to know how much of a difference they really can make.

“We’re proud of our foster carers and are always happy to hear from anyone who feels they can offer a safe, caring and stable home to children looked after by Dudley borough.”

People can find out more about fostering and future drop-in sessions by visiting www.fosteringindudley.org.uk emailing dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk or calling 01384 815833.

The service is keen to hear from anyone interested in fostering but in particular from those who would like to care for teenagers, children with disabilities or those who could take more than one child so brothers and sisters can stay together.