TWO dedicated foster carers from Cirencester are being recognised for their hard work supporting young people in their care.

Foster carers Philippa and Stuart have been foster carers with the county council since January 2014 and are being treated to a meal at Jesse’s Bistro, Cirencester, in recognition of their dedication as carers.

They have fostered two children prior to the current young girl in their care, who has been living with them now for nine months.

The couple also have four children of their own ranging from 11 to 18 years old.

Philippa, who is the main carer as her husband works full time, said: “We had been thinking about fostering for a number of years, but the time needed to be right for us and we wanted our own children to be older.

“Fostering has an impact on your family and everyone has to be on board with the decisions made which is not always easy when four children are involved.

“We were unsure of what to expect at first but have been surprised by how much they have grown to love the children with us.

“From my own point of view I have been amazed how much I have come to love and understand the birth families of the children we have fostered, and appreciate how important it is for children to retain regular contact with their family.”

“We have good support from our social worker and I have attended a number of training courses which have been good not only for enhancing our skill sets but also gives us the opportunity to meet others in the same boat.”

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We have children of all ages who need a loving foster home and we hope more people will come forward from the Cotswold area to foster. We particularly need people to foster older children and teenagers.”

Vanessa Curnock, owner of Jesse’s Bistro in Cirencester, said: “We’re more than happy to offer Philippa and Stuart a meal out to thank them for their work as foster carers.”

If you feel you’ve got what it takes to foster, please call the Fostering Recruitment Team on 01242 532654 or visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering

The county council accepts applications to foster from all sectors of society. There is no upper age limit to foster and people can be married, single, co-habiting, in a heterosexual or same sex relationship, a homeowner or renting a property.

All children are different, and to meet their needs, the county council is looking for a wide variety of people. However all applicants will need to be over 21-years-old and have a spare room, or spare rooms for siblings, in their home.