If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer and want to find out more, you can come for a coffee and an informal chat with a member of Torbay Council’s Fostering team at a number of events in April.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay, said:  “Providing a safe and loving foster or adoptive home, is one of the best gifts you can give to a cared for child, but many of our local Foster Carers have also described fostering as a privilege.

“We are particularly looking for short breaks Foster Carers in Torbay, as well as respite or stay over Fostering, though we need all types of Foster Carers. 

“So if you are thinking about Fostering please do come and have a chat to a member of our Fostering team at one of our events, we’d love to hear from you.”

April events

• Saturday 4 April, 11.30am to 2.30pm: Paignton Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Clennon Valley, Paignton, TQ4 5JR.
• Saturday 11 April, 10am to 4pm: Quaywest Spring Market, Splashdown Waterpark Quaywest, Goodrington Sands, Tanners Road, Paignton, TQ4 6LN.
• Sunday 12 April, 12pm to 2pm: Fermoys Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5TN.
• Sunday 19 April, 11am to 1pm: Torbay Hospital Exhibition Space, Level 4 Entrance, Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7AA.
• Saturday 25 April, 12pm to 2pm: Acorn Youth Community and Sports Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay, TQ2 8ET.

If you Foster with Torbay you will get access to:  

• Extensive support and training 
• a dedicated social worker 
• Mentoring from an experienced Foster Carer 
• Support phone line 
• access to a support network including local Foster Carers Forum 
• events for you and your family throughout the year from a summer barbecue to Christmas party and the Train of Lights. 
• Free beach hut access and other benefits such as free passes for Paignton Zoo and free tickets for home games at Torquay United, plus much more.

If you can’t attend but are interested in Fostering you can still contact the Fostering service on 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or complete an enquiry form via our Fostering webpages.