Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, was struck by the difference the County Council Fostering team makes to children's lives on a recent visit and has agreed to lead a campaign to recruit 70 new foster carers in Stevenage and the North Herts area.

Stephen McPartland MP said,  “Fostering is an amazing opportunity to change a child’s life and I am really proud to be leading this campaign to recruit 70 new foster carers.

“I met some of the children who had been through fostering in Hertfordshire, foster parents and fostering professionals. I was struck by how passionate they are about the power of fostering to change a child's life chances and give them a real opportunity in life. I know local people will also be hugely enthusiastic about helping, and we just need people to sign up if they have the right skills.

"Very simply, Foster carers need to have a spare bedroom available and can come from a variety of backgrounds, ages and professions.  The common theme is that they all want to make a difference and have a passion for helping children & young people thrive."

The North Herts and Stevenage team currently has 90 foster carers but as some are able to care for more than one child at a time there are currently 109 children placed with foster families. At least 70 more foster carers will be needed for children and young people in the area as people retire.

Please contact 0800 917 0925 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fostering for further information

Click here if you would like to help Stephen make a difference