Kirklees Council is celebrating national Foster Care Fortnight by encouraging people to join its fostering family and make a lasting difference to young lives.

The council urgently needs more people to care for local children so they can stay in the area and remain close to their friends, family and school.

Foster carers come from all walks of life, including different ages, backgrounds, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations.

Fostering for Kirklees Council makes you part of a wider team who know local children the best and work together in giving them the best start in life.

You can foster whether you are single, in a relationship, married or in a civil partnership. You can foster with or without children of your own and whether you own or rent your home.

You can be employed, retired or claiming benefits. You can also be with or without qualifications or professional childcare experience.

Tom Brailsford, strategic director for Children’s Services, said being a foster carer doesn’t just support children and young people, it gives a real sense of fulfilment. It also comes with financial support and a network of professionals who can help.

Mr Brailsford said: “Foster carers are absolutely vital in supporting children and young people who can’t live with their own families.

“Our children deserve loving homes in their own local community, helping them to overcome the tough challenges they have faced.

“Being in the right environment helps to give children new opportunities and fulfil their potential. It breaks down the barriers they might experience due to being in care.

“We want all of our children to feel safe, feel happy and be able to thrive, no matter what they might have been through.”

For more information, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 389 0086 or email fostering@kirklees.gov.uk

Friendly advisors will be available to answer questions on a stall in the reception area at Civic Centre 1 in Huddersfield town centre from Monday May 20 to Friday May 24 (9am-5pm).