'Life-affirming. Rewarding. Fun. Challenging. Exhilarating.' We asked our local foster carers to sum up in words what it felt like to them to foster a child. Above are some of the words they used.

Others have talked about the support, training and mentorship that's available, both from the Council and from other local Foster Carers.

If you Foster with Torbay you'll get access to:

• Extensive support and training
• a dedicated social worker
• Mentoring from an experienced Foster Carer
• Support phone line
• access to a support network including local Foster Carers Forum
• events for you and your family throughout the year from a summer barbecue to Christmas party and the Train of Lights.
• Free beach hut access and other benefits such as free passes for Paignton Zoo and free tickets for home games at Torquay United, plus much more.

Every penny allocated to Torbay Council’s Fostering service is spent on achieving the best outcomes for our children in care – unlike some private fostering agencies that run as businesses to maximise return on investment for their shareholders.

If you're thinking of becoming a Foster Carer please contact us on 01803 207 845, by sending us an email, or visiting the Torbay Council Fostering webpages 

You can also check out this Fostering South West podcast episode featuring Annette from Torbay Council's Fostering Service.

Submitted by Torbay Council's Fostering Service, part of Fostering South West which subscribes to New Family Social's services.