AN INFORMATION event for potential foster carers is being held in North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire health and social care partnership is hosting the session on Saturday, October 19. The Families for Children team will hold the informal drop-in session in Ardeer Community Centre from 10am until noon.

The team is keen to hear from people who could offer a home to children with disabilities and small family groups, so that brothers and sisters can remain together. Each approved foster carer has a supervising worker who offers support and advice, and visits regularly.

Carers receive allowances and additional financial support to cover the cost of caring for a child. The support group, which meets bi-monthly, offers an opportunity to meet other carers and hear from guest speakers.

Flexible fostering options are available, including short breaks, interim fostering, and longer-term support for young people. The team is looking for local carers for local children.

Councillor Margaret Johnson, cabinet member for health and social care, said: "There are many benefits to fostering and adoption, for both the children involved and the people who welcome them into their home as a new member of the family.

“People across North Ayrshire who offer care and support to some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities genuinely are changing their lives and giving them the opportunities they deserve to thrive.

"We are especially keen to hear from anyone who is willing to consider offering short break care to children either mid-week or at weekends. This type of care involves carers helping families who are going through a difficult time by having them stay in their home.

"We need people from different walks of life to adopt or foster a child or sibling group – bringing compassion and kindness into their lives."