Christmas Eve police station encounter inspired mum of five to foster

Why it matters: In Suffolk alone, around 900 children are currently in care, with many needing foster families to provide them with a stable home environment, particularly during the festive season.

The big picture: While Suffolk County Council already works with more than 400 foster families, it remains the county's largest fostering agency and urgently needs more carers to ensure every child in care can live in a family home.

The inspiration: For foster carer Bev, the decision to foster came after a life-changing encounter while working at a police station. When a two-year-old boy arrived with his arrested mother, Bev cared for him until the early hours. With no foster carers available, the toddler had to be taken to a children's home.

"Every Christmas, we look back and think about how many children we've fostered since we realised what a difference our family could make," Bev said. "The best thing about being a foster carer is seeing a child's confidence and happiness increase."

What they're saying: Cllr David Roach, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Fostering and Adoption, said: "Christmas is a magical time for most children, but not for everyone. Many of these children live with amazing foster families, but we need more Foster carers to give more children the family Christmas we want them to have."

What you can do: Foster carers can come from all walks of life. They can:

• Be over 21 (no upper age limit)

• Be single or part of a couple

• Have their own children

• Own or rent their home

• Work full-time or part-time

• Have pets

The bottom line: Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can learn more at www.fostereast.org.uk or call Foster East on 0330 024 1177.

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