WITH 430 children currently in the care of the council in St Helens people are being encouraged to help make a "big difference to a child's life" and become a foster carer.

The call comes as independent foster care agency Fostering Solutions opened its new branch in St Helens town centre.

It's aim is to provide a root to branch system of advice, guidance and training for people who want to become foster carers.

Pam Larsen regional service manager for Fostering Solutions in the North West explained: "We are a national agency but wanted a local presence in St Helens and we already work closely with the council.

"We offer as much support as we can for a number of areas."

This includes a comprehensive support network which sees foster carers allocated their own social worker and buddy groups for foster carers once they have passed their assessments.

There will also be the chance for people new to fostering to speak to more experienced carers.

"We have a 24 hour support team of specialist foster carers because we recognise it can be a challenging role. We want to make sure that children are involved with the agency so we also run children's groups.

"Foster carers need to know someone is available when they may need support. And we never withdraw that support. We are there from day one and will always be a point of contact for that foster carer.

"We also want to break down any barriers that people may have about foster caring. Such as if they are single, or slightly older or because of their sexual orientation. There are a diverse range of carers."

If you would like to find out more about being a foster carer with Fostering Solutions, call Fostering Solutions St Helens on 0800 160 160 5 or visit www.fosteringsolutions.com.

You can also find Fostering Solutions on Facebook and Twitter @FosteringSols