Fostering First, the organisation that’s responsible for foster care in the Isle of Man, is currently taking part in Foster Care Fortnight.

It is highlighting the need to find more carers and help in its search to find fostering ’superheroes’.

The campaign is focusing on how foster carers can help to transform the lives of children who have had a tough start in life.

Fostering First will be at the following locations around the island offering an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to get more information, and talk to the Fostering First team:

May 16: Shoprite, Peel - 2.30pm-4.30pm

May 17: Bourne House, Douglas - noon-2pm and 6pm-8pm

May 18: Tesco, Douglas - 10am-4pm

May 19: Marks and Spencer, Douglas - 10am-4pm

Sharon Batchelor, from Fostering First, said: ’Foster carers can have a positive impact which transforms the lives of children, and gives them a better future.

’Our new campaign "Secret Superheroes" focuses on dispelling common myths that prospects may have around the criteria to become a foster carer.

’The aim of the campaign is to communicate that you don’t need any special tricks or powers to become a fostering superhero.

’All that is needed is time and patience to earn the trust of a child and help to restore stability and happiness back into their life. Dedicating their time and patience, we consider our foster carers to be superheroes because they do such an important job which makes a real difference to children and wider society.

’Of course, anyone thinking seriously about becoming a foster carer will have lots of questions. That’s great, because we know it’s important to discuss all of the issues and concerns that potential carers may have. Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to come and have a chat with us in a relaxed setting, and we look forward to meeting lots of new people at the events we have planned.’

More events are also planned over the next few month.

Fostering First provides a training programme for new carers, and following completion of the accreditation process, a training package throughout their fostering careers with structured development opportunities. Regular visits are also made by a fostering link worker who provides additional help and support.

While financial reward is not the primary consideration for anyone who has the right motivation to become a foster carer, Fostering First appreciates that financial matters can be a real concern for some potential foster carers who think that they simply can’t afford the extra expense of caring for a child or children. Fostering First can provide financial help to make sure that carers can cover any additional costs.

Fostering First is part of The Children’s Centre’s Family Placement Services division.

Phone Fostering First on 631947 or email [email protected] - or check out their page on the Family Placement Services website www.fps.co.im