Local fosterer speaks of rewarding challenge

A LOCAL foster carer is encouraging others to take up the rewarding challenge of opening their homes to children by fostering.

Joan McGerrigle was among carers who attended an event recently as part of Fostering Fortnight to highlight the importance of fostering.

There are currently 260 children living with foster carers in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) area. The Trust wants to find the right home for children in care first time round to limit disruption and instability in their lives.

Foster carer Joan Mc Gerrigle said: “Fostering a child is challenging but very rewarding. It has been a good experience for my whole family and everyone has been able to adapt to the changes. I would encourage anyone who is interested to come forward and take those first steps to becoming a foster carer and making a difference to a child’s life.”

Pat Armstrong, Western Trust Head of Fostering said: “Fostering provides children who cannot live with their own families with alternative care where they can benefit from a loving, safe and stable home.”

For more information about fostering please contact Dympna Brogan, Recruitment Team Manager, Tel: (028) 7131 4244 or (028) 8283 5624 or email [email protected] or visit www.fostering.hscni.net for more information.

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