North Yorkshire Council's not-for-profit fostering service, Fostering North Yorkshire, are offering a £500 ‘golden hello’ payment to new foster carers.

Currently, there are 181 foster carers looking after children in care in North Yorkshire, but more children are coming into care and there is a national shortage of carers.

Cllr Janet Sanderson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Our foster carers are there day in, day out giving our local children a loving home and offering them support and guidance.

"Our foster carers are very much appreciated, and we are fully committed to ensuring our foster carers are properly supported and rewarded.”

To raise awareness and engage potential foster carers, Fostering North Yorkshire staff will be available to talk to interested individuals at Everyone Active, Scarborough Sports Village, on August 3, between 1.30pm-3pm, and the Malton Food Lovers Summer Festival on August 26.

Foster carers receive comprehensive training and support to help transform young lives and are eligible to receive payments and allowances.

Anyone over the age of 21 can become a foster carer as long as they have the necessary space and are prepared for a challenging yet rewarding role.

John, 60, and Karen Pownall, 57, from Whitby started fostering to help young people reintegrate into education and provide a sense of belonging.

Mr Pownall said: “It’s a wonderful thing to do. Yes, it’s hard because the children you care for have often suffered trauma in their lives. However, if you love helping others and enjoy being with children, then fostering is a great thing to do."

Allison, 62, and Alan Cooper, 71, have been fostering for Fostering North Yorkshire for the past 30 years.

They said: “We’ve looked after hundreds of children over the years – some have been with us for a weekend, others for two years.

“Fostering has completely enriched our lives. It’s hard saying goodbye to the children, but we’ve found that they stay in touch and it’s a joy to see them continue to thrive.”

To find out more about fostering or to speak with a member of the Fostering North Yorkshire team, visit the website www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering or call 01609 534654.