Foster Wales °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ has partnered up with Great British Bake-off finalist Jon to support Gwentâs new regional campaign âA great thing to do in 2022â. This campaign is aimed at encouraging more kind and caring people to consider fostering in °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ.
Whilst many of us have had family and friends there to support us during difficult times faced over the last 18 months, many children and young people across Wales need that support more than ever before. So why not make this the year for resolutions that last a lifetime â become a foster carer with Foster Wales °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ.
With the January campaign theme being âA great thing to do in 2022â, Newport âBake Offâ contestant and local foster carer, Jon, has shared his fostering journey, as he hopes to inspire others who may be able to provide support for looked after children.
Jon said âIâve been fostering now for just under a year, weâve only actually had the one child, he came to us on an emergency weekend and weâve still got him 10 months later. He is absolutely lovely and itâs been a really positive experience for all of usâ.
When asked why Jon was helping us with the campaign he replied âI thought it would be great because weâve got a lot out of fostering as a family and it would be lovely to promote it to other families.
Itâs always weird when you get into something like fostering because you donât know how itâs going to be, but itâs been so positive for myself and my family. So I hope this video will inspire other families to give it a try because you do get a lot from it.â
There is still a need to recruit an estimated 550 new foster carers and families across Wales every year. This is to keep up with the numbers of children who need care and support, whilstâŻreplacing carers who retire orâŻprovide a permanent home to children.âŻâŻâŻ
While no two children are the same, neither is the foster care they need. There is no âtypicalâ foster family. Whether you own your own home or rent, whether youâre married or single. Whatever your gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith, there are young people who need someone on their side.âŻâŻ
°Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ will be sharing content across our social media channels throughout January to help more people understand and value fostering and the positive difference it can make to young peoplesâ lives.
If you think you could make a difference by becoming a foster carer in °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ visit https://fosterwales.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/