Torquay United’s link-up with local foster carers has continued to shine during the past season, with many of the bay’s foster families making the most of free tickets to home matches at Plainmoor.
With Torbay Council looking to promote the positive impact fostering families can provide to local, cared for children who are unable to live with their birth families, TUFC has continued to give Torbay’s foster families an additional boost throughout the course of 2023/24, by providing foster families with free tickets to United’s home league matches.
Annette Solomon, Fostering Retention, Recruitment & Events Coordinator for Torbay Council, outlined about the ongoing need for foster carers throughout Torbay.
“One of my main roles is the recruitment of foster carers, therefore ultimately I’m aiming to try and recruit as many foster carers as possible to be able to provide homes for our cared for children. We are always looking for more foster carers to join our fostering families, to ensure that all of our children have the right home at the right time.
“In particular, we are looking for fostering families in or close to Torbay, in order that we can maintain a home environment for a child as close to their local network as possible. What we are trying to do is recruit as many foster carers to try and keep the children within the local area, however for a very few children living outside of the Bay is right, but for most, they need to live local and closer to their families.
“We work closely with Chris in the Council’s communications team to make sure our message about fostering reaches as many people as possible and we are exploring new ways of promoting the service.”
United’s Charitable Giving Coordinator, Jo Harris, also spoke of her delight at seeing the partnership go from strength to strength.
“It’s fantastic news that Torquay United AFC and Torbay Council can continue building on the great work that’s been achieved already,” said Jo.
“Being part of this project has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m really looking to taking things forward in the season ahead.”
To find out more about fostering in Torbay, visit the Torbay Council website here or contact the Torbay Council Foster Care team via 01803 207845 or [email protected]