AS PEOPLE reflect on their New Year’s resolutions, residents are being encouraged to consider a goal that could change not just their own lives but the future of a child in need.

More foster carers are needed in Wiltshire to help provide safe, stable and loving homes for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families.

Carers receive weekly payments ranging from £410 to £760 per child, and because the service is run by Wiltshire Council, all funding is reinvested directly into frontline services.

For Kevin and Louise, who will mark their first anniversary as foster carers this March, the experience has already been transformative.

Kevin explains: “It’s been brilliant. Really rewarding seeing them grow. We’ve been really lucky and had children who just want to be loved.”

He says fostering has brought moments of joy that outweigh the challenges and has advice for people thinking about fostering.

“It’s so rewarding. Just seeing them smile,” he said. “You can make a difference in their lives. It’s just knowing you’ve kept them safe, happy, fit, and healthy.”

Cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Jon Hubbard believes the start of the year is an ideal time to consider fostering.

“Fostering isn’t just a career – it’s a calling,” he added. “We’re proud to already have so many amazing carers in Wiltshire, making an incredible difference in young people’s lives, but we always need more.

“If you’re thinking about fostering, get in contact with us today and this time next year, you could be looking back knowing you’ve changed a child’s future.”

Wiltshire Council offers comprehensive training, ongoing guidance and a dedicated support team for foster carers.

Anyone aged over 21 with a spare bedroom and the time to care could be eligible, and those fostering babies up to 12 months old may be able to use their own bedroom if space allows for a cot.

Residents interested in learning more can attend drop-in events taking place across the county including at the Five Rivers Community Campus in Salisbury on Tuesday, January 13 between 12pm and 4pm.

There will also be an hour-long online session on Saturday, January 24 at 4pm.

Further information is available via www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk

People can also contact the council’s recruitment team on 0300 456 0120 or by emailing info@fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk