'I absolutely love it': Derby people tell of the joys of being foster carers

Derby people have spoken of the benefits of being foster carers - and urged others to consider helping to look after some of the city's most vulnerable children.

Foster families give children who cannot live with their birth family the care and stability they need.

There are more than 600 Derby children in care and Derby City Council's fostering team wants to ensure as many young people as possible are found homes locally.

During Foster Care Fortnight - which ends on Sunday - some of Derby's foster carers have shared their experiences to encourage anyone who is interested in fostering to come forward.

Graham and Sarah Pyman have been fostering for eight years.

They have four children of their own and have fostered around 20 children.

Graham, who is the senior leader of Derby's Jubilee Church, said: "When our children had started school, we thought fostering would be a good fit for us.

"We mostly foster children under two and have looked after around 20 children, some for a few weeks, some for more than two years.

"It's a great opportunity to make a real difference to a young person's life."

Veteran foster carer Linda Spence has provided a home for more than 50 children over the past 18 years.

She said:"I started because I wanted to give something back to Derby children - I love having children around.

"The shortest time I have had a child is one night, the longest is 10 years.

"If I could have my life over again and have any job, I would do the same again - I absolutely love it.

"To anyone who is thinking of fostering, I would say 'just go for it'."

More foster carers 'urgently needed'

The city council recently held its first ever Fostering Festival to celebrate and thank carers for their dedication.

More than 200 people attended the event, which featured a range of activities, food and entertainment provided by local businesses.

Suanne Lim, director of early help and children's social care at the city council said: "The day was a great success and it was such an important event to thank our foster carers for their outstanding contribution to support the lives of Derby's most vulnerable children.

"Foster carers come from all walks of life but the one thing they have in common is their passion and commitment to provide children and young people with loving homes where they are supported and encouraged to reach their potential in all aspects of their lives.

"Keeping siblings together is a huge priority for us and also that our children are able to remain as local as possible to their school and friends.

"We urgently need more foster carers to ensure we can do this."

A city council spokesperson added: "Foster carers can be any religion, sexuality, marital status, cultural background; a homeowner or renter.

"As long as you are over 21, have the time, space, energy to care for a child and are local to Derby city, becoming a foster carer could be something for you.

"It's an opportunity to make a real difference to children who have had a difficult start in life."

There will be a fostering information event at the council house from 6pm until 8pm on Tuesday.

If you would like to attend the event, book a place online.