CHILDREN in care are some of the most vulnerable in society.

We know more than half have experienced abuse and neglect. So, at Barnardo’s we urgently need to find more amazing foster carers to support them.

There is a pressing need to find 7,180 foster carers across the UK with the right skills and training in the next 12 months to care for children, many of whom have experienced trauma or difficult circumstances, so it’s crucial our foster carers have someone they can turn to.

Knowing that Barnardo’s provides carers with ongoing support and training to help them when the going gets a little tough means they can be reassured there’s always someone there for them.

We have a 24-hour hotline for our carers to get the advice and support they need if they have a problem.

We also have a network of foster carers which stretches across the UK and is a veritable gold mine of advice and experience all our carers can tap into.

As a Barnardo’s foster carer you’re never alone – there’s always someone to pass on their own experience, advice or offer friendship.

Taking the first step towards fostering can often be the most daunting but our experts are on hand to explain what’s involved and the next steps on your journey.

At Barnardo’s we often think of our foster carers as superheroes but the reality is that they’re ordinary people doing something extraordinary because they’ve taken the decision to open up their families to look after vulnerable children.

If you’re interested in fostering, please do visit our website at www.barnardos.org.uk and let us reassure you that we will be with you every step of the way.

Javed Khan
Barnardo’s chief executive