Find out more about Fostering in Rhondda Cynon Taf
If you have been thinking about fostering but have not yet taken the chance to find out more, NOW is the time!
That is the message from the men and women of Fostering RCT, who are already caring for babies, children and young people who are, through no fault of their own, unable to live with their birth families.
If you are one of those people who have always thought about fostering a child, or just want to find out more, then you are in luck!
The Fostering RCT information roadshow is taking to the streets of Rhondda Cynon Taf next month and we would love to meet you!
The roadshow takes place as per the below:
- Thursday, September 6 – Aldi in Talbot Green from 4pm to 7.30pm.
- Friday, September 7: Tescos in Aberdare from 9am to 12pm. Asda in Aberdare from 1pm to 4pm and Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad, from 5pm to 7.30pm.
- Saturday, September 8: Llantrisant Leisure Centre from 9am to 12pm, Morrisons in Porth from 1pm to 4pm and Argos in Pontypridd from 4pm to 7.30pm.
- Sunday, September 9: Tescos in Talbot Green from 10am to 12.30pm and then B&Q in Pontypridd from 1pm to 4pm.
The events will allow you to speak to the friendly and informative Fostering RCT team about what it’s like to provide a home for a child who is looked after.
Children in RCT are taken into care for a range of reasons, but it is never their fault.
Some of them need short term care while their parents recover from illness, or get the help and support they need to continue their parenting journey.
Others require longer term care until they are old enough to live independently, or are adopted, because they will not return to their birth families for their own wellbeing.
Cllr Tina Leyshon is Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Fostering Champion.
She said: “I spend a lot of time with foster carers and the children they look after and they are such a close-knit group of people.
“They all have different personalities, family dynamics, approaches to fostering and hobbies and interests. This is why it works so well in RCT, because we can place a child with a carer who suits them and their needs the best.”
Carers who are already with Fostering RCT say it is a challenging role and one where you work shoulder to shoulder with social workers, teachers and other professionals to do what is best for the child or children in your care.
They also say it is the best thing they have ever done.
Lynette Bryan currently cares for two teenagers. She said: “Every child in RCT deserves to be happy and safe. They deserve to have someone on their side helping them to achieve their dreams and goals.
“They didn’t choose to be taken into care and have not done anything to deserve it. We are here waiting for them, to ensure they are safe, secure and happy. They benefit from a family routine, someone who will advise and guide them and someone who is completely on their side.
“That means a lot to them and the difference you can make to a vulnerable child in just a few days of them being with you is so rewarding.
“It is a challenging role, but it is also something that has brought a new level of love into my home. I am so proud of the children in my care and I am proud of myself that I have managed to make a difference.”
You can also find out more about fostering by visiting www.fosteringrct.co.uk or liking FosteringRCT on Facebook.
