'Yarnstorming' to find families

Thursday 12 September 2019

As Guernsey continues to need more people to sign up as foster carers, a 'yarnstorming' event has taken over town to raise awareness of the demand for homes.

The island has had a shortage of suitable placements for children of all ages for a number of years so today's 'eye-catching' displays were created to publicise their needs.

The display is focused around Market Square, with the donkey statues wrapped in warm blankets offering comfort, while the bollards and railings have also been decorated.

All of the colourful knitting, crochet and wool work was arranged by the Guernsey Foster Care and Adoption Association, with many of the current carers making the craft work themselves. Some was made by children who are themselves in foster care and their social workers.

All of the yarn was either donated by Creaseys, or Oatlands Craft Shop which gave a discount on their stock, while local Craft Clubs also helped to make some pieces.

Pictured: It's hoped the display will last a week, with information about how to contact The Family Placement Service also there.

Karen Read, Manager of the Family Placement Service (pictured top), said they are looking to speak to people who would be able to help in a number of different ways.

"We are looking for specialist foster carers, but in addition, we're looking for a range of mainstream foster carers who can look after sibling groups, keeping brothers and sisters together is really important for us; and who can look after children who are preschool, at school and also short break carers for children with disabilities who aren't in care but are living at home with their families.

"Anyone who can offer the time, the commitment, to children who require a placement or families who require support - there's obviously a very comprehensive process involved, preparation, training, assessment and so on. But if anyone is interested and wants to learn more, then we would love to hear from them."

Pictured: The display went up on Thursday and should be there for a week. 

The Family Placement Service says it is targeting recruitment to support children who need to be placed outside their family for various reasons. 

People who are interested need to 'care about children, have good communication and interpersonal skills, lots of patience, a good sense of humour and be ready for a challenge'. Many people from a variety of different backgrounds are able to foster but it can be 'demanding at times but ongoing support and training is available as well as a weekly allowance'.

For more information contact the Family Placement Service at Swissville, Rohais, St Peter Port, GY1 1FB, by calling 713230 or email change@guernseyfostercare.com 

Pictured top: Karen Read of the Family Placement Service.