There’s never been a better time to be a foster carer in Hartlepool

Published Thursday, 18th May 2023

People in Hartlepool are invited to find out more about foster caring at two special events as part of national Fostering Fortnight.

Caring, safe, loving homes are urgently needed for children and young people in Hartlepool Borough Council’s care – especially those aged 12 and over, and there’s never been a better time to foster in Hartlepool because:

  • There’s more support provided than ever before
  • There’s a passionate and supportive fostering community who will give you a warm welcome
  • There are lots of opportunities for you to progress as a foster carer

The two events for people to find out more are:

Saturday 20th May – Come and say hello to some of the Council’s fantastic foster carers, who will be walking the prom at Seaton Carew, starting from the Sea View (Sandy) Car Park at 11am.

Friday 26th May – Drop into the Fostering information event in the central square in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre from 10am to 4.30pm and chat to the Council’s friendly Fostering Team.

Jane Wilson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Fostering Team Manager, said: “Our foster carers are absolutely fantastic and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them once again for the vital role they play.

“We still urgently need more of them. We need caring, loving foster homes for the children and young people in our care on both a short-term and long-term basis.

“Being a foster carer is so rewarding and we’ll give you all the training, financial and emotional support you’ll need.

“There’s no ‘typical’ foster carer, so please don’t rule yourself out, whatever your age, background or circumstances – we’d love to hear from you.”

One of the foster carers taking part in Saturday’s walk along Seaton Carew prom is Joyce Melrose, a retired teaching assistant who has been a foster carer for Hartlepool Borough Council for 13 years and who together with husband Joe has fostered 35 children.

Joyce said: “Fostering is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. You can make a huge difference to a child’s life by providing a safe, welcoming, loving home – the sense of reward is like no other.

“I hope people will come and say hello this Saturday when we’re out and about on Seaton prom, or drop in at next week’s Fostering event in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

“There has never been a better time to become a foster carer for Hartlepool Borough Council.”  

If you can’t make it to either event but would like to know more, visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/fostering or call 01429 405588