Get creative and help children in care

Action for Children is calling on people across the UK to get creative and show their support for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the country.

A series of events is being held across the country, where locals will be asked to help draw a giant canvas representing the shortage of nearly 9,000 foster carers across the UK. These events are part of a Foster Care Fortnight campaign designed to highlight the ongoing crisis in the care system, and the urgent need for people to come forward to foster some of the most vulnerable and neglected children who cannot stay with their birth families. 

Fiona Steel, group manager at Action for Children Scotland, said: 'This event is a really great way to get budding artistsfrom all walks of life involved in a very important campaign. People of all ages can help us make our masterpiece look brilliant and raise awareness that the need for foster carers has never been more pressing."

Participants in the draw-off will be able to fill in picture frames on a giant canvas with images of the 8,750 foster families currently needed throughout the UK. The final masterpiece will bring together canvases from across the country on 28 May to Action for Children's head office.

Action for Children hopes the event will also get people thinking about becoming foster carers. Fiona Steel continues: "So many people have the skills and qualities to be amazing foster carers. We make sure they receive extensive training and ongoing support to meet the needs of the children and young people they foster. They will also be recognised as professional carers and receive a salary. It's a great way to help turn a child's life around."

Margaret Surgeon, a foster carer with Action for Children, said: "We thought about fostering for a long time and we are so glad we contacted Action for Children. The support and training has been excellent and the staff are welcoming and professional. We have cared, nutured and supported a young girl on the Autistic Spectrum for the past 6 yrs.  There have been many challenges along the way, however with our help and support she is developing into a mature young lady.  To see her reach milestones is so rewarding for us.

"It's a really positive career and all you have to do is pick up the phone. Action for Children really value the work you do and it's great to be involved with such a special organisation.  I'd say to anyone - just look into foster care and find out more. Action for Children will help all the way."

To find out more about Action for Children's fostering services please call 0845 200 5162 or visit Action for Children's website www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering