A NEW campaign is encouraging people around Swindon to become foster carers.

Swindon Borough Council is supporting the Fostering Network's Foster Care Fortnight initiative.

This year's theme is 'Why We Care', which encourages anyone involved in fostering to share why they do it and why supporting young people in the area is so important to them.

The council hopes to inspire people of all backgrounds and lifestyles to take the first step in becoming a foster carer, and will help provide more places in the borough for children who need them.

Social media videos and newsletters posted through to May 23 will tell the stories of real foster carers and care leavers to give an idea of what it's like and the positive impact it can have on a child's life.

Carol Watts just retired as a foster carer in Swindon. She said: "The best thing about becoming a foster carer is helping each child and knowing you did your best for them.

" Even if they don't keep in touch as much, I know we gave them a lovely secure home and helped them as much as we could.

"It's so rewarding to see them flourish and hopefully go on and live an independent life and remember us with fond memories."

To be a foster carer, you need to have a spare bedroom and enough time available to support a child in your family home.

Personality-wise, would-be foster carers just need the desire to support a child and provide positive opportunities for them.

The council can offer support, training and a fostering community to work closely with applicants throughout the programme.

The campaign aims to dispel common myths around fostering which can often prevent people from enquiring.

Councillor Mary Martin is the cabinet member for children's services.

She said: "Providing foster care for children in Swindon and keeping them close to their support network of family or friends is so important to their wellbeing. But in order to provide foster care close to home, we need more foster carers in the borough.

"Foster carers truly have a life-changing impact on vulnerable children and young people, providing them with the support, guidance and security to grow and develop at such a crucial stage in their lives. I would encourage anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer to make the first step and get in touch with the Council."

Virtual information sessions will be held during the next month. Book a place by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering or giving the team a call on 07917 503447.