Ten councils across Greater Manchester have pledged to increase support for foster carers throughout the city region.
The Greater Manchester Fostering Promise was launched this week by Andy Burnham in recognition of the invaluable work that Manchester’s 1,400 foster carers do.
Leaders across the city region have committed to creating a transparent and flexible culture to help local foster carers to thrive.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We share a mission to make Greater Manchester the best place to grow up in the UK, and recognise that we can’t achieve this without our foster carers.
“I’m delighted to support this new promise. Hopefully it will demonstrate how much Manchester values the enormous contribution that foster carers make to our society, as this is how we will change young lives.”
The launch of the Fostering Promise marks the start of Manchester’s first ever Fostering Fortnight. From 16 to 29 October, events and campaigns across the city will celebrate Manchester’s foster carers and encourage others to consider following in their footsteps.
This fortnight of celebrations is the latest initiative from Greater Manchester’s Fostering Unfiltered campaign, which highlights the rewards and challenges encountered by foster carers every day.
By doing so, it aims to inspire more Mancunians to become foster carers and provide loving and stable homes to children across the city.
Amid this rising demand for foster families, England faces a shortfall of 25,000 foster families by 2026 according to the Social Market Foundation.
Councillor Bill Fairfoull, Deputy Executive Lead for Children and Families, said: “We are proud to support the fostering promise, and hope that the campaign encourages more local people to consider opening their homes to children.
“Please get in touch with your local council if you feel you could help.”
Feature image: leaders across Greater Manchester unite to champion the city’s foster carers
