The Manx team behind Foster Care Fortnight have hailed the campaign as a success, but insist the island needs more foster carers.

The campaign, which ran from May 14 to May 27, is organised to raise the profile of foster care and attract potential new carers.

Vera Hadwen, service manager at Family Placement Services, said: ’We had a great response to the events we held during Foster Care Fortnight and have seen a significant increase in interest in fostering.

’Not only by meeting people at events during the past two weeks but also via interest in our website.’

She says that the website www.fps.co.im saw a rise of nearly 400% in views during the fortnight.

But, for those who couldn’t attend the events, but are interested in becoming foster carers, she says FPS are always wanting to here from them.

’We would like to hear from them too in the next few weeks and extend an open invitation for them to get in touch with us. Deciding to become a foster carer is a big decision, and the FPS team give everyone who expresses an interest the time and space they need to make that decision.

’Those who have recently decided to apply to become foster carers will soon begin the next steps in accreditation and training process.’

Mrs Hadwen outlined what it takes to be a carer.

She said that a candidate needs to have patience, be a good listener, being a team player, a sense of humour and much more.

During the fortnight, the FPS held events at Shoprite, Starbucks, Noa Bakehouse, Tesco, the Strand Shopping Centreand Union Mills.

Foster Care Fortnight is held across the UK and is the biggest foster care recruitment campaign in the British Isles. Anyone who wishes to know more about becoming a foster carer can contact the FPS on 610000 .

The FPS team can also be contacted through the website www.fps.co.im which also contains more information about fostering and the process of becoming a foster carer.