CUMBRIA foster carers are taking part in a drive to recruit new carers for some of the area’s most vulnerable children.

The Fostering February campaign aims to focus attention on the need for new carers for the thousands of children coming into care each year.

Independent agency Fostering Solutions is hosting a number of informal drop in events across Cumbria and North Lancashire throughout February for anyone interested in finding out what becoming a foster carer involves.

Current foster carers will attend the events to give advice and information about everything from the application process and the kinds of placements needed to their daily routines.

Fostering Solutions’ area operations manager Mark Taylor said it was important to break down people’s assumptions about who could foster.

“People often tell us they would like to foster but thought they couldn’t because, for example, they were single, or didn’t own their own home,” he said. “You do need to have a spare room, but apart from that the most important thing is wanting to make a positive difference to the life of a child whose whole world may have fallen apart.”

Foster carer Michelle Millburn is a former police officer from Askham-in-Furness, who has been a carer for 11 years and is currently looking after two young brothers as well as her two teenagers. Michelle said she had wanted to foster since her teens, when she became aware of how many children needed a loving and stable home.

“I enjoy working with children and seeing the difference it makes, watching them making progress and settling down,” she said. “And I do like a challenge!

“The foster carers in our area have a fantastic support network and we are always glad to talk to people about our role and how we are making a difference to children’s lives.”

If anyone would like to find out more about fostering they can go to www.fosteringsolutions.com or call 0800 160 1605 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).