Ever thought about fostering?

Tower Hamlets Council is appealing for people to come forward and find out about becoming a foster parent. The council currently has 115 fostering households on its books, but it is always looking for more recruits. In particular it needs carers who are able to offer homes to children aged three and over, siblings, children with disabilities and teenagers.

Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “Foster carers are often the unsung heroes of our community. Without them, children who have not had the best start in life might miss out on the warmth and support of a loving family environment. Our foster carers tell us how richly rewarding fostering can be, and how their lives have been transformed by opening their home up to a vulnerable child.”

Cllr Gulam Robbani, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We hope this campaign will encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to pick up the phone and contact our friendly experts to find out more.”

Some of the Tower Hamlets foster carers who feature in recent adverts encouraged others to follow their example.

Gertrude and Keith Tummings have been fostering for 18 years. During this time they have cared for 25 children, nine of whom have disabilities. Mrs Tummings said: “I have been told that I don’t give up on my foster children and to hear that makes me feel so happy and proud. I just want to see these children happy and reaching their potential.”

Afia Choudhury has cared for 25 foster children in nine years. She said: “The best thing about fostering is seeing the children grow in confidence. Some of my children have been so anxious and tearful when they first came to live with us, but with lots of patience, reassurance and kindness, you see them transform. It really makes me feel proud to know that I have made a difference.”

•To find out more about fostering in Tower Hamlets, contact the council’s experienced and friendly advisers on 0800-279 9850 or go to: www.fosteringandadoption.co.uk