New fostering project launched across the East Midlands

A new project aiming to find foster families for young refugees which launched virtually last week has been viewed online nearly 4,000 times.

Place to Call Home is a partnership between councils across the East Midlands, led by Leicestershire County Council.

They are seeking to recruit around 40 foster carers and supported lodgings providers across the region.

The digital launch took place last week on Facebook and over 30 calls were received by the team as well as emails and Facebook enquiries from people across the East Midlands. 

At the end of March 2019, there were 310 young unaccompanied refugees in the care of local authorities in the East Midlands. 

Saffron (42) was a foster carer for unaccompanied young refugees for four years and is applying again to foster through the project.

She said: “I am passionate about caring for and supporting children and young people who arrive into the UK unaccompanied. 

“It is important for me to make a difference and with this role, it gives me the freedom to be me and to take a different approach and think outside of the box while supporting others.”

Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “There are many reasons why a young person may have been unsafe in their home country. The things they may have experienced, alongside arriving in a new country alone, without family or support, can be terribly frightening.
“We are very proud to be leading this project, and hope to find kind, caring and generous foster carers to care for and support these young people and offer them a place to call home. 
“I would encourage anyone who feels they have the necessary skills or experience to foster to get in touch with the team and find out more about how the role could change the lives and futures of young refugees.”