A NEW drive has been rolled out to reward foster carers and their families.

Wigan Council’s Deal for Foster Carers was launched yesterday, Tuesday, with a roadshow scheduled to visit the borough in October and November to provide information about the scheme.

The initiative offers an agreement which focuses on the whole family proving a number of incentives and support to increase foster carer recruitment while saving public money.

Rob and Anita Andrews have joined the council’s service after being involved with an independent fostering agency (IFA) for four years.

Anita said: “Although independent agencies are better financially we knew transferring to Wigan Council was in the best interests of our foster child despite us living in Warrington.

“It took us a while to decide to transfer but we wanted a long-term placement which is not always offered by independent agencies and the more we spoke with the council and other foster carers the more impressed we were.

“It took us four months to completely transfer but I cannot fault the support and training we have received.

“Of course, you need to consider your own situation but I would recommend Wigan Council based on our experience.”

The support provided in the deal will include out of hours help for carers, long service awards, fostering leave for Wigan employed carers, discounted leisure facility membership for the family and a transfer bonus for IFA carers joining the council.

James Winterbottom, director of children’s services at Wigan Council, added: “We acknowledge fostering is a huge step for families especially if the foster carers already have children which is why we designed a deal the whole family can benefit from.

“High quality foster carers are vital in ensuring we meet our ambitions of a safe family home for every child, therefore, we are always looking for new foster carers to join us and we promise to provide ongoing support and training right from the beginning of your fostering journey.”

The roadshow will visit Leigh Library on November 1 from 1pm to 4pm and Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton on November 15 between 4pm to 6pm.

If you are interested in becoming a Wigan Council foster carer or transferring from an IFA, phone 01942 487200 or visit wigan.gov.uk/fostering.