A NEW campaign to try and recruit more foster carers in Kendal has received backing from those currently fostering.

Cumbria County Council revealed it currently has over 750 children in desperate need of a foster home and is urging residents in Kendal to find out more about fostering at an online information event later this month.

“Fostering has been everything I hoped – I get so much from it and it feels so worthwhile,” said Karen Levens.

“The biggest reward is to know that you are keeping children safe and to see them develop as they go through so many milestones.”

Ms Levens worked as a nurse at Westmorland General Hospital for 16 years. She started fostering last year and is a short term foster carer for children under seven.

“We were approved very quickly and our first placement was twins who we’ve recently moved on to adopt and we are currently fostering two children under the age of two,” she said.

“I would encourage anyone who’s been thinking of fostering to take the first step and get in touch.”

While there is an urgent need for foster carers for children of all ages, there is a particular need for long term carers for slightly older children and teenagers.

Lisa Golding, from Kirkby Lonsdale, is a long term foster carer for two children aged eight and 17.

“I have fostered for 15 years, originally with an agency in Manchester, and for the past year with Cumbria County Council,” she said.

“Over the years I have done short term fostering, long term, shared care and respite fostering and it can be challenging but I really enjoy the challenge.

“I find it really rewarding to gain the trust of the young person and to see them develop.

“When I do need help I get great support from my social worker and I also attend the monthly support groups.”

The virtual information event takes place on Tuesday, September 29 from 7pm to 8.30pm.

For further information regarding fostering and the event, go to cumbria.gov.uk/fostering or call 0303 333 1216.