Foster carers campaign is a big success

A NEW campaign to boost the number of foster carers in the Lothians has seen 30 volunteers come forward since it launch.

Make A Difference – Foster A Child is being run by the councils of Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, as well as the Fostering Network, and was launched on 14 May.

Since then, 30 people have contacted East Lothian Council as potential carers – a massive increase on the monthly average of 4.5 volunteers.

As part of the campaign, the fostercaring.org website has been set up, along with a freephone number (0800 158 8008) to make information available.

East Lothian Council is set to hold a meeting for people who would like to find out more about fostering on Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh.

Councillor Peter MacKenzie, cabinet member with responsibility for education and children's services, said: "The response to this campaign has been fantastic but I know there are still more people out there who want to get involved. Help us look after East Lothian children in East Lothian. Make that call because we will always need more foster carers."