UP TO 20 vulnerable teenagers in Swindon are looking for a stable home at any one time.

That is why Swindon Council is using Foster Care Fortnight to make a plea for more foster carers to help the number of young people who are entering the social care system.

The annual campaign is being run by the Fostering Network charity from today until May 25.

Councillor Fionuala Foley, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are very lucky to have some very dedicated foster families who provide loving homes for young people in Swindon, but we need more people to come forward.

“Fostering is extremely fulfilling and I would ask anyone who has thought about becoming a foster carer to call our family placement team or pop along to the information stall in the Brunel Shopping Centre this week.”

This year there is a particular focus on the shortage of foster families for teenagers.

The Fostering Network charity says 600 new foster families are needed in the South West this year to look after children in care who need to be fostered.

In Swindon, up to 20 teenagers need a foster home or supported lodgings at any one time and the council’s family placement team is encouraging people to come forward.

Supported lodgings is a form of independent living in a family setting for young people aged between 16 and 21 who may have been in foster care and are not yet ready to live on their own.

A shortage of carers means some children have to live too far from family and friends, change school and be split up from brothers and sisters.

More foster families would mean more children could live with the right person and not be moved around the care system.

Gareth Reed, 54, of Royal Wootton Bassett, has been fostering with his partner Janet Kelly since 2009.

The couple particularly enjoy caring for teenagers – helping them towards independence – and disabled children.

Gareth said: “Janet was already fostering when I met her so it was an easy decision to get involved. I was apprehensive at first, but once I met a few of the children it felt worthwhile.

“We currently look after one child full-time and we also provide respite care for two children at weekends. It gives these young people a stable environment and I hope it gives them the chance to move on and make the most of life.

“It is very rewarding to provide the respite care because it gives the young person’s family a break as it is very demanding looking after someone with physical or mental disabilities.

“If anyone is considering fostering I would say just try it and see what happens, as it could change your life for the better.”

Foster carers receive ongoing training and an allowance. Help is available over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The council will be at the Brunel Shopping Centre from Wednesday until Friday, with foster care experts on hand to answer questions.

For more details, call the family placement team on 01793 465700 or email familyplacement@swindon.gov.uk.