Fostering information event to take place in Kent

An online event takes is set to take place aimed at those who want to find out more about fostering in Kent.

The information day takes place from 10:00 BST on Saturday and is organised as part of Foster Care Fortnight.

Across south-east England there is currently a shortage of 820 foster carers, according to Kent Fostering.

A spokesperson for the organisation said their event was to "raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have".

"Foster carers play a crucial role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people - many of whom have faced difficult or traumatic experiences.

"They support children in their education, physical and emotional wellbeing, and help them rebuild trust and confidence."

Debbie Bashford, a Kent-based foster carer, said: "When I first considered becoming a foster carer, two of my biggest worries were how it might affect my birth children and how we would ever cope with saying goodbye to a child we had cared for.

"Now, looking back, those very concerns have become two of the greatest gifts fostering has given us."

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: "Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of fostering.

"They connect foster carers, children, families, and practitioners, creating a community that surrounds children with the care they need to thrive."

Ms Bashford added: "We only hope the children gain as much from being with us as we do from having them in our lives.

"Fostering is all about relationships and those connections will stay with you forever."

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