This season we’ve teamed up with the Barnsley Fostering Service to raise awareness of the need for more carers in the Barnsley borough.
Today’s fixture against Brentford is dedicated to the work of our local foster carers and we are honoured to welcome hundreds of them to Oakwell today as our guests. What's more, the Reds first team players will warm up in specially made fostering t-shirts to raise awareness of the campaign.Both in Barnsley and nationally there is a shortage of carers and a particular need for people who can look after children over the age of ten, brothers and sisters who need to stay together and children with disabilities who need special care and attention. There are many children who can’t live with their birth families for lots of different reasons.
Being able to continue living in the same town allows Barnsley’s children and young people in foster care to go to the same school and keep seeing their friends and family members, not to mention watch the Reds play at home! Much like the footballers many young people look up to, foster carers are strong role models helping vulnerable children achieve their dreams.
All children have the right to a positive family life and foster carers are local people who offer love, warmth, support, affection and time to local children when they need it most.
There's no such thing as a typical foster carer. Anyone can foster as long as they are over 21, have a spare room and the energy and enthusiasm to look after a child. If you could welcome a child or young person into your heart, your home and your family and give them the love, care and support they need, please get in touch.
Help us provide Barnsley Carers for Barnsley Children and think about Fostering Today. For more information and an informal chat about becoming a foster carer, please call Kerry on 01226 775876. You can also visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/fostering where you will find wide range of information about fostering in Barnsley.
