Almost 7,000 children/young people are in care in Wales and that number is increasing every year, up almost seven per cent in the last 12 months. We estimate that fostering services across the UK need to recruit at least a further 8,600 foster families in the next 12 months alone.

That’s why Barnardo’s Cymru has launched an appeal this week to try to find more loving, stable foster families to help those young people thrive despite the traumas they have been through.

If you really want to make a difference then consider if fostering could be for you. There will be challenges along the way but the rewards can be life changing – both for you and the child/young person you foster.

We are looking for a range of foster carers from different backgrounds regardless of age, marital status, sexual orientation or income.

We want to match young people to the right home. They may have particular cultural or religious backgrounds, be disabled, have siblings or they may have suffered neglect or abuse. It is important that we find foster carers locally to care for these children and young people otherwise they could find themselves living a long way from family, school, and friends, and being split up from brothers and sisters.

Barnardo’s Cymru has 40 years’ experience in providing foster care services across Wales. We offer excellent training opportunities, therapeutic support and 24 hour assistance to help you every step of the way.

Please contact Barnardo’s Cymru Fostering and Adoption Service by ringing 0800 0546788 or email [email protected].  You can read more at www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering-week

Martin Kaid (Barnardo’s Cymru Fostering and Adoption Service)