THIS year’s Foster Care Fortnight (May 9-22) in Hillingdon aims to highlight the positive impact fostering can have on the lives of young people, as well as those looking after them.

Foster Care Fortnight is a national campaign, and the council is hosting a series of drop-in and online events to raise awareness of the issue.

Wajid and Mobeena, from Uxbridge, had always been interested in fostering and decided they were ready to the take the next step when their two daughters were teenagers.

After passing the necessary checks, the couple completed a rigorous online training process and were allocated a social worker to complete their assessment.

The couple have already cared for two children. The most recent was a teenage girl, who needed extra support as she had emotional issues, including an eating disorder.

The young person was able to get along with their daughters, who had a positive influence on her.

Wajid said: “You’re letting a child, a person, an individual into your home. You need to accept this person has come from a different world, or a different culture.

“They’re scared, as well as you. So, bringing that together is amazing. And, when they go away and they’ve done well, you think that’s good.”

Julie Kelly, Director of Children’s Services, said: “If you’ve been thinking about fostering for a while or are just curious as to what the role entails, please do get in touch.”

You can call 0800 783 1298, email fosteringrecruitment@hillingdon.gov.uk or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering