A NATIONAL children’s charity has issued a rallying cry for more potential foster carers to come forward in Clydebank - amid concerns that the pandemic could lead to a sharp rise in demand.

Barnardo’s Scotland is appealing to people aged over 21, who have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child, to consider a career in foster caring.

The charity’s assistant director, Sue Brunton, said the pandemic and lockdowns have increased pressure on vulnerable families, with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health all potentially leading to family breakdown.

She said: “Fostering is an exceptional job.

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"We are looking for people who can do a lot of juggling between work, care and home schooling under lockdown.

“We need people who have a real understanding of the process of a child’s development, the impact of trauma in their lives, people with a sense of fun and those who really enjoy children’s company.

“They need to be able to make that commitment to helping a child settle for a set period of time.

“It’s more important than ever for people to consider becoming foster carers to ensure the right loving families are available in the right location when children need them.

“For anyone who is thinking about fostering, it is totally worth it.

"These children need you and if you have space to love, please consider it.”

The charity offers comprehensive training and support to foster carers, including extensive support throughout the application process, intensive induction and regular ongoing training and one to ones, as well as dedicated out-of-hours access to a social worker and a generous financial fee.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, call 0800 0277 280 or go to barnardos.org.uk/foster/glasgow.