Foster carers honoured – could you be one of them?

Bury people who have fostered scores of local youngsters were formally thanked by the Mayor of Bury.

Councillor Joan Grimshaw held a special reception for those who have fostered on behalf of Bury Council for more than 15 years.

One couple, Christine and Roger Burgess from Tottington, have fostered 30 children over 25 years, including brothers and sisters and children with disabilities. They continue to be highly involved in the recruitment of new foster carers by delivering training to people interested in becoming foster carers.

Councillor Nick Parnell, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Foster carers like Roger and Christine are vital – we need more people to come forward to foster children who have disabilities and children who come to us in groups. It can be a very confusing time coming into foster care, and people like Roger and Christine have offered a home and family when it has been needed most.”

If you think you could foster or want to know more about the different types of fostering please call 0161 253 6868 and ask for the fostering duty officer or alternatively visit the website http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5310

ENDS

Press release issued: 5 November 2012.

Picture attached: At the adoption recognition reception are (from left) Roger Burgess, long-serving adopter; Cllr James Frith, the council’s youth spokesperson; the mayor, Cllr Joan Grimshaw; the mayor’s consort, Paul Grimshaw; Christine Burgess; and Cllr Nick Parnell.