CARERS are needed to look after vulnerable young refugees when they come into Wiltshire.

Campaign group Wiltshire for Refugees want to increase the number of foster carers available to take children in across the area.

The majority are boys in their mid to late teens and one of the most important factors for their future wellbeing is a foster carer.

Former Kindertransport refugee who came to England during the the Second World War, Lord Alf Dubs said: “Young people are entitled to be helped by us to have a life, to have safety, to have love and affection. To get on with things, instead of this fearful existence, worried about their safety every night.”

Isla of Wiltshire For Refugees said: "We are calling on people across Wiltshire to find about more about fostering and supported lodgings and take the first step to supporting a young refugee."

A foster care information evening will be held at Corsham Town Hall on the high street on October 23 from 7pm for people to hear more about getting involved.

Wiltshire For Refugees community group and Wiltshire Council Foster team are working together to find new carers and supported lodging providers in Wiltshire. They are urgently needed to accommodate the vulnerable young people arriving in the region. The majority are boys in their mid to late teens and one of the most important factors for their future wellbeing is a foster carer.

At a foster care information evening at Corsham Town Hall, 65 High Street on Wednesday 23rd October (7pm-8:30pm), anyone interested in fostering can meet a foster family, specialist social workers and other experts who will explain exactly what’s involved. Come along to hear about the experiences of unaccompanied young people in foster care, from young people and those who care for them in a relaxed, informal environment.

Many foster carers find these young people bring unexpected benefits to their lives.

“Quote from XXXX re big brother for XXXX benefits to whole family, etc” said XXXX who fosters XXX, a refugee now studying in Wiltshire.

Anyone can apply to become a foster carer as long as they’re aged over 21, with a spare room and permanent leave to remain or British citizenship. Foster carers are paid and receive training and support.

Former Kindertransport refugee Lord Alf Dubs said of the Foster Information Evening “Young people are entitled to be helped by us to have a life, to have safety, to have love and affection. To get on with things, instead of this fearful existence, worried about their safety every night.”

“We are calling on people across Wiltshire to find about more about fostering and supported lodgings and take the first step to supporting a young refugee” said Isla of Wiltshire For Refugees.

“These brave young people have a lot to give and a foster placement is vital to them making a success of their new life in the UK.”

For more information, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fostering

If people would like to find out more about Wiltshire For Refugees they can be found on Facebook.