New campaign urges potential foster carers to offer caring new homes for children in care

 

A newly commissioned YouGov survey reveals an 11 per cent shortfall between people interested in fostering and actually becoming full-time carers

The survey, commissioned by You Can Foster the North of England-based fostering campaign to which City of York Council belongs, reveals that of all UK adults 12 per cent have considered or are considering fostering a child but currently, only one per cent actually become full-time carers.

The campaign running during Foster Care Fortnight (8-21 May) aims to encourage the 11 per cent of people who are interested, to take the next step, become foster carers and create 25 much-needed new homes in York where children can receive the love and attention they need.

Foster carer Karen Wortley has looked after about 70 children and young people in York over 11 years. “I’d always wanted six kids but sadly that didn’t happen, so we thought we’d adopt. But we tried fostering first and enjoyed it so much that we’ve carried on.

“I’ve given a home to babies, teenagers and emergency placements from a few hours to seven years and regularly give short breaks for a disabled child alongside caring for three teenagers including Amy.

“It’s so rewarding. People I’ve fostered who are now in their 20s still ring up or call round. It’s such a lovely feeling to know I’m the first person they want to share things with. Fostering is so worthwhile – I’d always recommend it.”

Eoin Rush, assistant director of children’s services at City of York Council, said: “We are committed to placing our children and young people in York in high quality foster care and matching them with carers who will help them settle and thrive.

“To ensure we have enough good quality carers like Karen and to replace those who move away or retire, we want to recruit another 25 foster carers to give our children and young people – like Amy – the best possible chances in life.

“There are a number of myths around fostering which are stopping people taking the next step; people thinking they’re too old, that they won’t get the support they need, that their sexuality, employment or marital status makes a difference to their chances of fostering. Call us to chat through how you can help and how we support you.”

Fostering is looking after a child or young person who can’t live with their own family for a number of reasons. This can be a very difficult time for the child who’ll need lots of support and care.

In York, foster carers are needed for children including:

  • Brothers and sisters
  • Teenagers
  • Children needing long-term foster care
  • Children who need specialist care because of additional needs.

If you think you could give a child or young person a loving, stable home please call 01904 555333 or visit www.york.gov.uk/fostering and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Police appeal following incident on Windsor Garth, York

 

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about an incident involving a member of the public who was possibly assaulted.

The incident happened at about 12.30am on Sunday 7 May 2017 when a man was walking along Windsor Garth, York.

Prior to the incident there were two young men aged in their twenties who were walking behind the member of the public and they appeared to be arguing.

The member of the public then woke up on the floor on Windsor Garth and had suffered a head injury. It is unsure at this stage how the injury was sustained or what caused it.

We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

We are appealing for witnesses or anyone who can provide any further information about the incident to get in touch as soon as possible to assist the investigation.

If you can help, please contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 63 Amanda Popely. You can also email amanda.popely@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12170078144.

What’s on in York: Finding the words special – Pavilion Poets: Ruby Robinson, Nuar Alsadir, and Jodie Hollander

York Explore Library :

Thu 11 May :

6.00pm – 8.00pm :

Free

May _11 ThreepoetsA special Finding the Words event, part of the University of York’s Writers at York series, featuring three exciting UK and US poets: Jodie Hollander, Nuar Alsadir, and Ruby Robinson.

Liverpool University Press’s Pavilion Poetry, edited by Deryn Rees-Jones, has quickly earned a reputation for publishing some of the most exciting contemporary poetry. We’re delighted to host three UK and US poets for this special Finding the Words event, part of the University of York’s Writers at York series.

Ruby Robinson was born in Manchester and grew up in Sheffield and Doncaster. Her poems have appeared in  Poetry Review and Poetry. Her debut collection Every LittleSound was published in 2016 and shortlisted for the Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection and T. S. Eliot Prize.

Nuar Alsadir’s poems and essays have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Poetry London, and Poetry Review. Her previous collection, More Shadow Than Bird, was published by Salt in 2012. She is fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities, and works as a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst in New York.

Jodie Hollander was raised in a family of classical musicians. Her work has been published in Poetry Review, PN Review, Rialto,  New Criterion, Manchester Review, and Australia’s Best Poems. Her debut pamphlet, The Humane Society, was released with tall-lighthouse in 2012. My Dark Horses is her first full-length collection.

For more information please call York Explore Library on (01904) 552828 or to reserve a ticket please visit eventbrite.