TWO fostering experts are embarking on a road trip – and they will be stopping off in Salisbury to raise awareness of the need for foster carers.

The registered manager of independent fostering agency Step by Step Fostering, Sarah Faulkner, and supervising social worker Sue Collier will be coming to Salisbury Market on May 13 from 8am to 3pm.

The pair are coming to the city as part of a two-week adventure in Sue’s motorhome in celebration of the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight (May 12 to 25).

This is the largest annual campaign within the fostering community.

The theme for this year’s Foster Care Fortnight is the power of relationships, including the relationships between foster carers and children, the support provided by social workers and friendships built along the way.

Step by Step say there are more than 83,000 children in the country living without a safe and stable home – and they are determined to reduce this statistic.

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They believe that behind all heroes is someone who cares and that these children are all heroes waiting for someone to care.

Step by Step Fostering believes that the best way to build relationships is getting out into the community and answering any questions people may have face to face.

As part of this, Sarah and Sue will be visiting Swindon, Andover, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Winchester, Reading, Weymouth, Portsmouth, Bordon, Lyndhurst and Aldershot.

While Step by Step Fostering launched in March 2024, it builds upon the 35 years of experience working with young people held by sister charity Step by Step.

The agency was the brainchild of the charity’s CEO Debbie Moreton, inspired by her own fostering journey.

Any funds generated by Step by Step Fostering go to support the charity.

This provides life-changing opportunities for other young people facing hard times and sets Step by Step Fostering apart from other profit-driven agencies.

Step by Step Fostering is calling for heroes to support, mentor and guide the next generation of heroes.

Those who are interested in fostering are asked to keep an eye out for Sarah and Sue, who will be happy to answer any questions and to talk through the fostering process.

For more information, visit www.stepbystepfostering.co.uk/foster-care-fortnight/