A new campaign has been launched by Dorset Council to find more foster carers for Dorset children.
The campaign’s message is that most people can foster, all you need is a spare room, love and energy. It will also highlight that fostering is a paid career.
New eye-catching images, capturing funny parenting moments, will be promoted on social media. Promotions on local radio will also be run.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Dorset children need Dorset to care for them. We urgently need more foster carers to look after children of all ages.
“A lot of people think fostering isn’t for them, perhaps they worry they are too old or don’t fit a certain stereotype. We want to get the message across that most people can foster, we want to hear from people who are retired, LGBTQ+, single or have no childcare experience. Please don’t rule yourself out, all you need is love, energy and a spare room!
“We also want to remind people that fostering is a paid career. If your job isn’t satisfying, why not change direction and do something that counts? Visit fosterindorset.com to find out more or search for #fosteringpays on social media.”
The new Dorset Council campaign features many real life moments and asks prospective carers if their ‘home is too quiet’ or if they miss explaining that ‘we aren’t nearly there yet’ on journeys.
Foster Carer Tracy Winder said: “I am very proud to be a foster carer for Dorset Council. I’d recommend fostering as a career choice to anyone. I gave-up work and chose fostering as my career two years ago and I am so pleased I did.
“This campaign captures real life moments that I’d definitely miss if I had an empty house with no child or young person to share things with.”
Dorset Council has also improved its online ‘fosterindorset.com’ information so it is easier for anyone interested to find out more. For more information visit: FosterInDorset.com
The campaign images will be promoted on social media #FosteringPays and the radio promotions will be heard on Wessex FM. Watch out for the campaign images:
