Could you offer a new start to a refugee?

An event is taking place online for anyone considering helping young refugees who have arrived in the East Midlands without a parent or carer.

The event aims to inform people about the application process and the training and support available, as well as the payments and allowances which carers would receive. 

Potential applicants will hear from 17-year-old Regis, who arrived in Leicestershire from Albania when he was 15. 

He describes feeling ‘sad and scared’ before being placed with a fostering family, who supported him with day-to-day tasks and planning for his future. 

Regis said: “That family was like my mum in Albania, so they are a second family for me. I want to be like them in my future - when I grow up I want to be like them, a happy family.”

Led by Leicestershire County Council, Place to Call Home is a partnership between councils across the East Midlands which works to recruit foster carers and supported lodgings providers for young people arriving in the region without their parents or a trusted adult. 

Councillor Deborah Taylor, county council cabinet member for children and families, said: “It’s incredibly important that we find kind-hearted individuals and families to support these young people and provide safety, security and a much-needed family environment to help them settle into a new life and improve their lives and futures.

“I would encourage anyone who feels they have the necessary skills or experience to foster to register an interest and attend the virtual event in January or get in touch with the team to find out more.”

The launch event will take place on Wednesday, 6 January at 10am on the project’s Facebook page  at  www.facebook.com/homeeastmidlands