Wiltshire has reached the halfway point in a major campaign to recruit 100 new foster carers.

50 new families have been found in what has been described as a "wonderful" achievement for the county.

The recruitment campaign has been set against the backdrop of covid, with council staff having to adapt with Zoom and virtual sessions to help reach potential new recruits.

One foster carer, from Melksham, has shared her story in the hopes of inspiring more people to come forward.

For the privacy of her foster children, her name has been omitted.

"I started fostering 12 years ago, but only recently with Wiltshire Council," she said.

"I had four children of my own who had become a bit more grown up and independent, but I wasn't ready to quit being a parent. I used to work in a school and love working with children, so fostering felt like a natural conclusion.

"I spoke to my husband and children who thought it was a great idea. We had a child from the age of 8 through to 18. He's 20 now and still visits, he's part of our family. It' s been a hugely rewarding experience."

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She has managed to encourage a close friend, her brother and now her niece to also follow suit and become foster carers.

Empathy and patience are two integral qualities to have, but the rest comes naturally she explained.

Working with Wiltshire Council as a foster carer, she also gets a dedicated supervising social worker just a phone call away.

Training from the local authority has also been referenced almost daily in her work.

"If you are already thinking about being a foster carer, chances are that you can do it," she said.

"I think I'll be fostering as long as I've got breath left in me.

"My foster daughter said today that there's blue skies, but also clouds. That sums it up beautifully for me. It's all about waiting for those blue skies and working through the clouds. Every day is different."

Cllr Laura Mayes, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, and cabinet member for children’s services said: “Thank you to our 50 amazing new fostering families who have taken the step to make a real difference to children who need a warm and loving home. We are so thankful you have decided to take this step - all our carers have a special commitment and dedication that is truly wonderful.

"We are halfway towards our target and while we have come this far we can’t be complacent as we still need more people to foster. We particularly need those who can care for teenagers and siblings. For anyone interested in becoming a foster carer please get in touch – there is no obligation you can find out more and then decide if this is for you.”

Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care for young people who have experienced trauma and loss.

People who foster with Wiltshire Council are given training and continued support. Payments reflect the commitment carers are making to the role. There are different fostering schemes available ranging from £350 to £650 a week depending on people’s skills, experience and the type of support the young person requires.

For more information, visit www.fosteringwiltshire.uk, email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk, call 0800 169 6321 or Text Foster to 60002.