A NEW drive to recruit more foster carers takes to the streets in Kirklees.

Several Kirklees Council bin wagons and a fleet of vans from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing are now emblazoned with fostering messages and contact details.

As they travel around the district, it is hoped the vehicles will be reaching thousands more people who could be interested in fostering.

Cllr Viv Kendrick said: “Foster carers make a profound difference in the lives of looked after children and we truly value their hard work and commitment. We need more to come forward to help us reduce the number of children being cared for outside the area.

“There is a general shortage of foster carers in Kirklees, but we particularly need people to look after teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs or disabilities.

“Fostering can be very rewarding and all you really need is a spare room in your home, plus dedication, compassion, patience and energy. If you’re interested, please get in touch with our friendly team. By changing your future, you can make a huge difference to the future of our children and young people.”

Christine Gummerson, director of neighbourhoods at KNH, said “We’re delighted to be working with the council in recruiting more foster carers as we know how important it is for us to join together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Kirklees.

“We want to help spread the vital message that now, more than ever, foster carers are really needed. We know a lot of people rule themselves out without knowing all the details, so we would encourage anybody thinking about fostering to get in touch with the council and find out more.”

Visit kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 389 0086.