Monmouthshire County Council Foster Care team will be on hand at The Angel Hotel Abergavenny, on Thursday, February 15 and to meet residents of Monmouthshire who are interested in becoming foster carers.

Monmouthshire children urgently need Monmouthshire families. Foster carers are desperately needed to care for babies, older children and teenagers on a short or long term basis.

Carers are needed to provide short breaks for children with disabilities, similarly carers are needed to care for teenagers moving into independence on a supportive lodging basis.

There is a huge need for more foster carers and the team hope that the meet and greet sessions will encourage more and more people to consider making such an important decision for children and young people in Monmouthshire.

Residents are welcomed to talk to the foster care team about the amazing journey that takes place to become a foster carer in Monmouthshire.

Over the next three weeks the foster care team will be promoting the meet and greet sessions at informal drop in sessions at Abergavenny Market.

The informal drop in market sessions and the main meeting aim to break down the barriers and perceptions people may have about fostering. Following the success of the teams attendance at Caldicot Castle Fireworks event and meet and greet at St Pierre Country Club and Hotel Chepstow, in November the team are keen to host sessions across Monmouthshire with more sessions to be planned in Usk and Monmouth.

Penny Jones Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Health said, ‘I strongly believe that our babies, children and young people in Monmouthshire have every right to have the best possible start in life. Monmouthshire families can help make this difference to our children.

"The foster team are doing a fantastic job engaging with communities to support our children. I encourage those who are thinking about becoming a foster carer to come along, visit the website or give the team a call.’

To make a difference visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/fostering or call 01873 735950