A campaign has been launched by Hounslow Council to recruit foster carers across the borough to mark Foster Care Fortnight.

Everyday there are around 65,000 children in the UK living with 55,000 foster families and every 20 minutes another child comes into care needing a foster family, according to the Fostering Network.

Sarah Prebble Powley, who fosters three children decided to become a foster carer five years ago with her husband Ian after they were moved by the number of children in Hounslow who needed homes.

They felt they couldn't expect others to step up if they weren't willing to do it themselves.

"We had a home, space, energy and wanted to help," said Sarah who said she hasn't looked back since starting her fostering journey.

"Watching a child enjoy the simplicity of life, like climbing a mountain, learning a new skill or riding a bike for the first time is incredible.

"It's lovely to see them grow in confidence and engage in family life."

Sarah,48, and her husband Ian, 49, intend to continue to foster for as long as they are able to.

She added: "Once you start you want to keep doing it. We purchased our house with the specific intention of having space to foster siblings as we know how important it is for them to be able to be fostered together."

Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said: "We have many foster carers in Hounslow who do amazing work every day to support our children in care.

"Throughout Foster Care Fortnight, we will share experiences of our foster carers, to help people understand and value fostering and the life-changing difference it can make to young people's lives.

"We hope this increased awareness will build support for fostering, challenge stigma surrounding children in foster care and encourage more people to come forward.

"If you are thinking about fostering, then why not join one of our fostering information sessions to find out more."

A young person with care-experience said: "My foster mum showed me what it meant to be a parent and how it is done well.

"I didn't have this before. Now I can be a better mum to my child from her example and the love that she has shown."

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of fostering and to celebrate the work foster carers do

It also highlights the positive impact they have on young people and their lives.

The theme for this year is #WhyWeCare.

Visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/fostering for more information on becoming a foster carer and the no strings attached foster carers information sessions.

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