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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is backing a national campaign aimed at encouraging more people to think about fostering.

Foster Care Fortnight runs from 10 to 23 May with this year's theme being #WhyWeCare.

On Wednesday 12 May the Council is running an online event where people can virtually meet some of the Borough's foster carers and find out what fostering is really like. The event - entitled Come and Meet our Fostering Family - will be held between 10.30am and 12 noon and again from 5.30pm to 7pm. People can register for the sessions by phoning 4238500 or by emailing fostering@southtyneside.gov.uk

One South Tyneside woman who has transformed the lives of more than 160 children is foster carer Dawn Hutchison.

Dawn, 57, who lives in South Shields, has cared for babies just a few months old to teenagers.

She said: "I love fostering. It is so rewarding to be able to turn around a child's life and help families in crisis. You get so much back from it.

"I have learned a lot about myself through fostering and become a better person."

Dawn, who is a single carer, added: "It's great to see young people growing in confidence. I love just being there for them and keeping them connected to their families."

The Council is looking for more people who can offer a stable, loving home to children - particularly those in sibling groups - who cannot be with their birth family.

Foster carers can be married or same sex couples or single but must be aged at least 25.

The Council runs a Payment for Skills model which means foster carers are paid an additional fee according to their experience and qualifications in addition to the weekly allowance payments they receive.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Although the world's attention has been on Covid-19 over the past year, the need for foster carers is still as great as ever.

"We desperately need more foster carers who can offer a secure and loving home to children. Although not without its challenges, fostering is a hugely rewarding role. I would encourage anyone thinking about fostering to take the first step and find out the facts."

Earlier this year the Leader of the Council identified supporting young people in need as a key priority for the Council.