PEOPLE in Salisbury are being urged to consider fostering, not just to change one life but many, as a national campaign shines a spotlight on the growing need for carers.

As Foster Care Fortnight runs from next Monday, May 11 to 24, charity Step by Step is highlighting a different approach to fostering, one that reinvests back into wider support for young people across the community.

The charity is calling on residents in Salisbury to think carefully about not just whether they foster, but who they foster with.

“There has never been a more urgent need for foster carers to provide safe, stable homes for children and young people,” says Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step.

“At Step by Step, we’re responding to that need through our unique fostering service, where the impact extends beyond individual placements and creates lasting value by reinvesting back into other services for young people.”

Unlike some larger agencies, Step by Step operates as a charity, meaning surplus funds are channelled into services such as supported accommodation, counselling and programmes that help young people into education and employment.

That wider support network is becoming increasingly important.

Across the region, more young people are facing challenges linked to housing instability, mental health and a lack of support systems, with the charity already helping more than 1,500 individuals each year.

“Step by Step Fostering is not about shareholders and profit” adds Sarah Faulkner, Step by Step Fostering’s registered manager.

“It’s about putting children and young people first. And it’s a chance to not just support a young person in your home, but others across our community.”

To coincide with the campaign, the charity will be hosting an information stand at Salisbury Market on May 12, offering people the chance to learn more, ask questions and explore what fostering could involve.

For many, it could be the first step towards making a lasting difference. Not just to one young person, but to an entire community.

Find out more: www.stepbystep.org.uk/fcf