PEOPLE who think they could become a foster carer are being invited to an open evening in Yate next week.

South Gloucestershire Council is looking for prospective new foster carers to look after the district’s children who cannot live with their own families. In particular, the authority needs to home older children and siblings.

Foster carer Margaret Williams, from Yate, said becoming a foster parent was the best decision she had ever made.

The 60-year-old great-grandmother uses her hands to reel off the names of the children she has cared for but said she always runs out of fingers as she has fostered more than 13 children since January 2006.

“I love the idea that I’m doing something to help children,” said Margaret, who is currently caring for an 11-year-old boy.

“I find it very, very rewarding because you get to see the children achieving so many things.

“There are ups and downs, but when you see that huge smile on a child’s face, it makes it all worthwhile. Nothing beats fostering, it’s not always easy, but it’s the best job in the world.”

Cllr Jon Hunt, chairman of the council’s children and young people committee, said: “Fostering can be extremely difficult at times, but foster carers receive ongoing training, support and weekly payments to provide the care, support and attention that a child needs.

“The role is about welcoming children who are unable to live with their birth families into your own home. In South Gloucestershire, there is currently a need to home older children and siblings.

“If you are interested in becoming a foster carer it isn’t as difficult as you may think. The process is clear and straightforward, and the fostering team is on hand to help.”

Families, couples, same-sex couples and single people who are homeowners or in rented accommodation are being invited to find out more. The council’s only requirement is that applicants have the time, energy, space and flexibility to be there for someone else’s child.

The fostering information evening takes place on Tuesday, September 8 (7-9pm) at South Gloucestershire Council’s offices on Badminton Road, Yate. For more information call the fostering team free on 0800 206 1443, email fostering@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/fostering