MP Gareth Snell encourages people in Stoke-on-Trent to consider fostering as national recruitment campaign launches

Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, is urging local residents who have ever considered becoming a foster carer to find out more, as the Government launches a new national recruitment campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage more people from different walks of life to think about fostering, as part of the Government’s ambition to create 10,000 more local authority and third-sector fostering places by 2029.

New polling for the Department for Education found that 66% of respondents believed they could be good foster carers if practical barriers were removed.

The campaign will help people who may have ruled themselves out to explore what fostering involves and what support may be available.

The launch follows the Government’s Fostering Action Plan, backed by £88 million over two years, which brings together recruitment, stronger regional fostering hubs, improved support for existing carers and a simpler approach to everyday decisions in family life.

Gareth said: “Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, supported and part of a family. Foster carers make that possible, and in Stoke-on-Trent they transform the lives of vulnerable children every day through their dedication and care.

“While recruiting new foster carers remains a priority, we must do more than increase numbers. Supporting current carers, cutting red tape and helping children stay connected to the people and places that are important to them are all essential to creating the stable, loving relationships that help young people thrive.”

Residents who would like to learn more can contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council by email fostering@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 234555. More information can be found online at https://www.stoke.gov.uk/info/20044/fostering_and_adoption