The Council is looking to recruit more foster carers so that it can find better matches for the children and allow them to stay nearer to their school, family and friends at times when they can’t live at home.

The campaign aims to get more people to enquire about fostering and to increase the number of people being approved as foster carers. It will also make improvements to the recruitment process.

A brand new website called www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk has been launched which includes a step by step guide to becoming a foster carer. You can also request an information pack or ask for a call back from one of the fostering team.  

Help tomorrow take shape

2011 Census coming to a letterbox near you

On 27 March 2011 all residential households in the United Kingdom will be taking part in a census.  Since 1801 a day has been chosen every ten years for this purpose.  The census provides an excellent source of information about the population.  This enables central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.

The census statistics feed into the allocation of funding for local authorities and play a major part in their ability to provide local services, so it is crucial the population estimate is as accurate as possible.  When the questionnaire envelope comes through the door you’ll easily recognise it by the purple 2011 Census logo.  Take care of it.  If, like many people, you want to complete the questionnaire online, your individual internet code is on the front of the questionnaire.

The 2011 Census doesn’t want anyone to fall behind - so there is a wide range of help options available (such as language guidance booklets, large print format, Text Relay and census field staff on hand, as well as online help and telephone call centres).

More information about the 2011 Census can be found at: www.census.gov.uk

Information about jobs for the 2011 Census can be found at: www.censusjobs.co.uk