Independent Fostering Agency, Blue Sky Fostering are looking for foster care in Somerset and Devon.

There is currently a shortage of nearly 9,000 foster carers nationwide and the agency are hoping to find people who are interested in learning more about the role at their series of events in Devon later this month. The course will dispel some of the myths about who can become a foster carer, look at why young people go into care and outline the benefits such as a weekly allowance, 24/7 support, ongoing training and the opportunity of having a more fulfilling and rewarding career.

Sarah Rockett from the Blue Sky team, who will be leading the course says: "Some people may not have considered fostering as they may feel that they do not have the skills to be successful. However, as long as you have a spare bedroom, a driving license with access to a car, some experience of childcare or working with children and the desire to make a difference to a local youngster's life, fostering could be a great new direction for so many people."

"There is no such thing as a typical foster carer, we need all types of people whether married or single and from all types of backgrounds to reflect the diversity of the youngsters who need support. The course is designed to help people make an informed decision before they take the plunge and apply to become a foster carer and for many it is the first step towards making a real and lasting difference to a local young person in care."

The series of events take place in Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay from Friday 14th June to Sunday 16th June, and will focusing upon fostering in Devon and Somerset. There will be two free courses at the Future Inn in Plymouth on Friday 14th June between 10am - 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. Places can be booked online at www.blueskyfostering.com or by calling 0845 6076697. The Blue Sky team will also be holding two drop in sessions over the weekend at Exeter Football Club in the Grecian Centre Lounge between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 15th June and in the Windsor Suite at the Grand Hotel in Torquay on Sunday 16th June between 10am and 4pm. Guests are welcome to come and join the staff for a cup of tea and a chat about fostering.

For more general information about becoming a foster carer visit www.blueskyfostering.com