Find out more about fostering at Manchester Pride

People attending this year's Manchester Pride (Aug 29-31) who might be interested in fostering are being encouraged to visit Manchester's Fostering Service stand at Lifestyle Expo 2 to find out more.

Existing foster carers will be available throughout the weekend to talk about their own experiences of fostering, and, together with social workers who will also be on the stand, will be able to provide further advice and information to anyone who would like to learn more.

Reacting to the national shortage of around 10,000 foster carers, Manchester City Council has teamed up with other local authorities in the Northwest - Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Oldham, Rochdale and Warrington - to provide the information stall at Lifestyle Expo 2 on Saturday 29 August and Sunday 30 August from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Monday 31 August from 12 noon to 6 pm.

Manchester City Council needs foster carers from all different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and carers can be single, married, straight or gay. Foster carers can be home owners or live in rented property, and they may be employed or unemployed. Prospective foster carers also need to have patience and commitment for a task that is not always easy but is one that can be very rewarding.

Foster carers are particularly needed for older children, black minority ethnic children and young people, sibling groups, boys, and also to provide short breaks for disabled children.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member Children's Services, said: "Foster carers play a vital part in helping us look after the vulnerable children and young people who come into our care. We urgently need more people to come forward who can demonstrate their commitment, ability and interest in caring for and supporting our young people. The most important thing is that potential foster carers care about the welfare of children and young people and that they can offer them much-needed care and support at what is often a very difficult time in the young person's life."

Foster carers receive preparation, training, support and a weekly allowance.

Anyone who is not going to Pride but who is interested in finding out more about fostering can call the Council's Fostering Service on tel: 0800 988 8931, email familyduty@manchester.gov.uk  or visit www.manchester.gov.uk/fosteringadoption