Can you welcome Thomas into your life?

Durham County Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service is appealing for a family to provide a loving home to an 11-year-old sporty, football loving boy called Thomas.

He says: “Hi my name is Thomas and I’m 11-years-old.

“I love football, I’m a star player in my local team and Newcastle United is my favourite team in the whole world.

“I love telling jokes and riding my bike. I have many schools friends and my favourite subject is science because I like discovering cool, new things.

“When I first came into foster care I was scared and angry that I couldn’t live with my mam or dad and sometimes I didn’t behave very well. Now I try very hard.

“I would like a foster carer who is lively, fun and enjoys being outdoors, just like me!

“A pet would be nice too!”

Thomas needs a long term, permanent foster carer who is patient, caring and can welcome him into their family.

Long term foster carers support children and young people who are growing up, sharing life’s ups and downs just as you would with your own children and can be very rewarding.

As a foster carer you will be working with a team to support children and young people. You will have your own social worker to offer advice, financial support, a wide range of training including the opportunity to complete a Diploma Level Three in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People), the benefit of local support groups, an emergency duty team and a whole range of other specialist services for times when carers need that extra bit of support.

Anyone interested in fostering can attend a drop-in session on Thursday 26 January, Eden Arms, Rushyford, anytime between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

Drop-ins provide the chance to meet the fostering team who can answer questions and foster carers will also be available to share their experiences.

Durham County Council Fostering Service is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

For more information on fostering contact the service on: 0191 370 6149 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering