Wiltshire Council is urging residents to consider becoming foster carers for teenagers, following a message from 18-year-old Cora, who shared how fostering transformed her life.

 Cora, who spent time in foster care, described the experience as “sometimes challenging but most definitely the best thing that I could possibly have ever asked for.”

 She credits her foster carer with helping her feel safe, loved, and supported during a critical time in her life.

 “She saved me,” Cora said. “She made me feel warm, she made me feel safe, she made me feel welcome. It was lovely to spend time with her, her partner, and siblings. She showed me the life I deserved to be in. We had a lovely garden and everything was great.”

 Thanks to the support she received, Cora is now thriving – attending college, living independently, and looking forward to the future. She hopes her story will inspire others to open their homes and hearts to young people in care.

 “I hope we get to see you soon as brand-new foster carers,” she added. “I can’t wait to meet you and see how you do with young people.”

 You can watch Cora’s video here – https://youtube.com/shorts/LPjdqtYHeZw.

Currently, Wiltshire Council has more than 460 children and young people in care across Wiltshire, many of whom need foster families. By recruiting more foster carers, the council aims to help children stay close to their communities, schools, and friends. Wiltshire Council foster carers receive a generous rate of pay and have local opportunities for training, development, and support.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We are fortunate to have so many big-hearted people who have opened their homes and helped children and young people turn their lives around. We need more people like our amazing foster carers. Teenagers need love and support just as much as younger children, and fostering them can be incredibly rewarding.”

People can have a chat to the fostering team who will be at parks in Wiltshire this summer weather permitting. The team will be at:

• Barton Farm, Bradford on Avon from 10am – 2pm on Tuesday 5 August
• King George V Park, Melksham from 10am – 2pm on Thursday 21 August
• John Coles Park, Fleet Road, Chippenham from 1pm – 5pm on Sunday 31 August

For more details on other upcoming fostering events go to Fostering events – Fostering with Wiltshire Council

 Foster carers must be aged 21 or over and have a spare bedroom. Those fostering babies up to 12 months can use their own bedroom if space allows for a cot. Carers receive weekly payments ranging from £410 to £760 per child, depending on skills and experience, along with full training and ongoing support.

 More information on becoming a foster carer for your local council can be found on Fostering South West’s website, www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org, or you can speak directly to a member of the recruitment team via 0300 456 0120, or info@fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk.