The Halton Fostering Service have announced dates for their Drop In Events, with one taking place each month until November at both Runcorn and Widnes venues. Following the success of their one off June event, which took place at Runcorn Library they have made decision to run them on a monthly basis.

Drop In events are open to anybody interested in becoming a Foster Carer with Halton Borough Council. People who have previously been in touch with the service will be invited to the sessions too for a chance to meet key members of the fostering team and will be given the chance take their next steps.

Jenny Clayton, Principal Manager for the Fostering Service in Halton said “Our June event was such a wonderful way to engage with people, we gave people an opportunity to talk fostering without too much interruption to their day. We want to make gathering information convenient and straight forward for prospective carers who are looking to begin their fostering journey”

People are often surprised to learn that full training is provided to new Foster Carers as part of the process and that Foster Carers receive one off payments for a child’s Birthday, festival or holiday in addition to Foster Carer weekly allowances. Halton Borough Council provides new people coming through with a generous support package too, offering continuous support with experienced staff members based locally and a number of benefits (like complimentary swimming passes and free Max Card membership).

Halton’s Executive Board member for Children & Young People, Cllr Tom McInerney, said “We’ve met such fantastic applicants this year and the service is very keen to remain visible in the borough. We want to recruit capable people who want to provide a safe home for the children and young people in our care.”

The Halton Fostering Drop In Events take place Wednesday 23 August and Wednesday 18 October at Widnes Market and Thursday 21 September and Thursday 17 November at Runcorn Library Café, drop in between 10am-12pm. In addition to Drop In events, people can find out more about becoming a foster Carer by speaking to the fostering team call 0800 195 3175 or visiting foster4halton.co.uk to complete an online enquiry form.