New recruitment campaign to help find more Scots foster carers launches to mark Foster Care Fortnight
The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering.
A new recruitment campaign to help find more foster carers has been launched to mark Foster Care Fortnight - and people across North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to consider if they could provide "a safe, supportive foster home for a child or young person".
The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering.
The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 additional foster carers.
The campaign highlights how the "ordinary" - from eating together, to watching TV together - can be extraordinary in the life of a child in foster care.
Councillor Michael McBride, who leads on education, children, and families, said: " North Lanarkshire Council is proud to support this campaign, which aims to encourage more people to think about becoming foster carers.
"Fostering can have a hugely positive impact on children's lives.
"We strongly encourage anyone who can offer a safe, caring, and supportive home to learn more about how to get involved and the difference it can make."
Sarah Bennett, who has been a foster carer for 14 years, added: 'People often speak about how foster caring changes children's lives, but he's changed our lives completely.
"Every child needs a safe, loving environment, and somebody in their corner to fight for them, advocate for them, and think they're the best thing since sliced bread.
"If you can do that by becoming a foster carer, the rewards can be huge.
"It's an amazing experience; there are lows as well as highs, of course, but my family and I have learned so much about ourselves as people. It's been so positive for us."
As he met foster carers at the new campaign launch, First Minister John Swinney said: "Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people.
"They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030.
"Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive.
"Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday 'ordinary' can be extraordinary for a child in foster care.
"Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures."
Anne Currie, assistant director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, added: "We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's national campaign to recruit foster carers, and hope this leads to more people stepping forward from North Lanarkshire to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays.
"The need has never been more urgent - as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it's critical that we take action now."
The campaign will run across TV, radio, digital and press throughout May and June.
A new website and dedicated advice line have been launched to support those interested in finding out more.
For more information on how to become a foster carer, visit here or call the Fosterline service on 0141 204 1400.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
Age Scotland dementia event champions lived experience and inclusion
Age Scotland has marked a significant milestone in its dementia work with a national event in Stirling. Bringing together people living with dementia, unpaid carers, community organisations and professionals to help shape the future of support across Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The event introduced Age Scotland's refreshed dementia team and branding, and reinforced the charity's commitment to placing lived experience at the heart of all its work. Through meaningful conversations and interactive sessions, the event reflected the charity's focus on co-production, collaboration and building inclusive support that reflects the real needs of Scotland's diverse communities. To date, nearly £1 million in community grants has been distributed across the country, provided by Scottish Government funding. In addition, Age Scotland's dementia network now includes 147 dementia friendly communities, spanning all 32 local authority areas. This reflects the breadth and impact of local, grassroots efforts to make Scotland a more dementia-inclusive nation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With attendees traveling from across Scotland, the day highlighted the importance of reaching underrepresented groups and ensuring dementia support is accessible and inclusive, regardless of geography, background or identity. Attendees at event Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, joined the event and delivered a keynote speech, emphasising the role of grassroots leadership and lived experience in the national dementia strategy. Anna Clements, Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, said: 'This event was about connection, collaboration and celebration. It was truly inspiring to see such a passionate and diverse group of people, each bringing their own lived experience, come together with a shared determination to improve the lives of those living with dementia and unpaid carers. 'We're building on a strong foundation of community-led activity and advocacy, and this event marks a significant step forward in placing lived experience and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. I'm excited about what comes next and proud to be working alongside such engaged and committed people from communities across Scotland.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Attendees at Event Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, said: 'It was a pleasure to attend this event and hear from people directly impacted by dementia, as well as those working to create more supportive and inclusive communities. 'The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people can live well with dementia, and events like this show just how important it is to centre lived experience in that mission. We welcome Age Scotland's leadership in this area and look forward to continuing our work together.' As part of its ongoing work, Age Scotland is inviting people living with dementia and unpaid carers to join its Dementia Lived Experience Forum. The forum brings together voices from across Scotland to influence policy, shape resources and improve services, ensuring lived experience continues to guide the charity's work. New members are welcome to apply at: www/
STV News
8 hours ago
- STV News
Bannockburn battlefield plans refused as ministers overturn council decision
Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a development on the historic Bannockburn battlefield site. Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. PA Media Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the ministers' conclusions 'closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Extra funding to ensure completion of new Glasgow primary school
The new money will support the refurbishment and extension of the former St James' Primary School in Calton area of the city, which has lain derelict for more than a decade. Although originally planned for completion in December 2025, the school is now expected to be handed over to the council towards the end of 2026. Once opened, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn (Calton Gaelic Primary School) will become the fourth Gaelic-medium primary school in Glasgow and will have space for a total of 416 pupils. The most recent census shows that the number of Gaelic-speakers in Glasgow has increased by more than 80 percent since 2011. The school is being funded via the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), which is intended to support the development of schools across the country and ensure that children are learning in environments that are fit for purpose. Councils have been able to apply for help to rebuild or refurbish schools, and in some cases create new education services, with dozens of projects approved since the first round of awards in 2019. Councils are responsible for the upfront costs of each programme, but can recoup up to half from the Scottish Government over a twenty-five year period. However, a significant number of existing projects are now running late and at least one – the Doon Valley Campus in East Ayrshire – has been cancelled due to escalating costs, and major concerns have been raised about the proposed new school on the Isle of Mull. Asked if the Scottish Government would consider providing further support for other LEIP projects, the Deputy First Minister did not rule out the possibility. In addition to the funding for the school refurbishment, the government also announced support for twelve further educational and cultural projects. The money will be provided via the Gaelic Capital Fund and will allow for developments including expanded teaching spaces and upgraded equipment in schools, as well as initiatives such as a two-day Gaelic music event in South Uist, the extension of a Gaelic cultural centre in Skye, and the transcription of historic Gaelic recordings. Speaking during her visit to the school site, Kate Forbes said: 'This school will build on the encouraging surge we have seen in the number of Gaelic speakers and learners in Glasgow and support the language's growth into the future. 'Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money by providing better grade averages across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than average. 'To support Gaelic's growth across Scotland, we are providing an additional £5.7 million for Gaelic initiatives this year. We are also progressing the Scottish Languages Bill which, if passed by MSPs, will introduce measures to strengthen the provision of Gaelic education.' Alison Richardson, headteacher of Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn, said: 'With Gaelic medium education continuing to flourish in Glasgow, our pupils and parents are excited and proud to be moving Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn into its very own repurposed school located in the East End. 'We look forward to supporting Gaelic's growth in the Calton area, where many spoke it in the past, and for the school to become a real focal point and asset to the local community.'
