13/5/2021

This month,some of Cardiff's foster carers will share their stories to mark National Foster Care Fortnight, theUK-wide annual awareness raising and recruitment campaign supported by Foster Care Cardiff.

The event which runs until May 23,celebrates the devotion of foster carers and the positive impact that they have on our local communities.

With this year's theme being ‘#WhyWeCare', some of Cardiff's most dedicated foster carers share their experiences on foster caring and appeal to more people to consider taking up the role.

Kevin Powell has been a foster carer for 15 years, 12 of which have been with Foster Care Cardiff.

Kevin said: "I care about being a foster carer because I want to give young people in need the confidence to flourish as an adult."

"The Support from Cardiff is second to none and when you foster for Cardiff Council you are recognised and treated as a key worker. There are numerous training opportunities and benefits, even after 15 years I am still learning and keeping up to date with latest information about children's mental health and first aid.

"I can pick up the phone and I have support straight away. For that reason, I would never leave."

Kevin Powell

Marion and Alastair Pinkney began their fostering journey in December 2019 after running a successful party hire company.

When asked about their experience they said: "Foster caring has become a career for the both of us and we genuinely feel that everything in our lives has led up to this point. Every life matters and the fulfilment and joy that we have experienced from supporting a young person when they need it most, has been wonderful. Choosing to foster with Cardiff Council seemed an obvious choice and we will continue to help change Cardiff, one life at a time."

 Marion and Alastair

Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Graham Hinchey, said: "The last year has been a difficult one for many and while lots of us havehad family and friends there to support us during these times, there are some children and young people across Cardiff need that support now, more than ever before.

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting a number of foster carers, some who are new to the role and some who have been fostering for years. It has been my absolute pleasure to hear about their experiences and Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to show our gratitude to all those foster carers who are making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of them, they do an amazing job every single day."

Cllr Hinchey added; "Foster Care Cardiff has continued to recruit foster carers throughout the pandemic and we are keen to hear from anyone who wants to find out more about fostering and thinks they can use their skills, knowledge and expertise to help enrich and improve the lives of Cardiff's children and young people. This can be for either short breaks, respite or long-term care."

Later on this month, some of Cardiff's most iconic buildings will be illuminated in orange, the signature colour of Foster Care Cardiff. On Thursday 20 May City Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Bay Barrage willshine brightly to celebrate the work of foster carers. We are also encouragingothers to show supportby putting a lamp in their window on Thursday 20 May and join in illuminating the country orange.

"Whether you are married, living with a partner,single, LGBT+ or have a disability, Cardiff Council needs foster carers that are as vibrant and diverse as the city we live in.

Foster Care Cardiff offers a range of generous rewards and benefits to ensure foster carers are supported, financially, professionally and emotionally. For more information on the service visitwww.fostercarecardiff.co.ukor call 029 2087 3797.

Visit the Council's social media channels and share our content to help more people understand and value fostering, including the positive difference it can make to young people's lives.

Join the conversation and use the hashtag #FCF2021 #WhyWeCare