Chippenham is the focus of local campaign to find more foster carers

Wiltshire Council is asking Chippenham residents to consider fostering as they campaign to recruit an additional 18 foster families in the area.

The fostering team will be visiting key sites and enlisting the support of businesses, charities, faith leaders and organisations to highlight the need for more foster carers in the area.

The council has a three-year campaign to provide 100 new foster carers by spring 2023 and so far has recruited an additional 68 foster families.

Fostering with your local council means all money is spent on frontline services and the child is more likely to be able to stay close to their school, friends and family networks. The council has recently increased its fostering rates which range from £366 to £680 a week depending on people’s skills and experience.

Wiltshire Council began its localised campaigns last year and Chippenham is the fifth local area targeted for recruitment. Previous campaigns have been in Trowbridge, Devizes, Calne and Salisbury.

The council’s Kinship and Fostering team will be available to chat  at Emery Gate, Chippenham from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 19 November with a current foster carer to answer questions for all stages of enquiry – from people who just want to know more to those that are seriously considering fostering.