Easter Treats Donated To Vulnerable Children

Looked after children across Bridgend County Borough have received an Easter egg thanks to the Bridge FM Easter Egg Appeal. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

In total, 200 eggs were generously donated as part of the appeal, which is supported by Sainsbury’s and HM Prison & Young Offenders Institution Parc. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The Easter Eggs were handed over to Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services and Equalities, Councillor Hailey Townsend and Councillor Richard Young, Mayor of Bridgend County Borough. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Councillor Hailey Townsend said: “Thank you to Bridge FM for their Easter appeal, which allows organisations, public bodies, businesses and individuals to donate chocolate eggs for some of our most vulnerable children. Without their generosity and contribution this initiative would not have been possible. I’m confident that the Easter eggs will have brought a smile to many faces.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

One hundred of the donated Easter eggs came solely from Bridgend Town Council. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Councillor David White, Mayor of Bridgend Town Council, said: “I am very pleased to support the Bridge FM Easter egg appeal and hope the donation will give joy to local children across Bridgend County Borough.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Many of the looked after children across Bridgend County Borough are placed with foster carers as a short or long-term arrangement, however currently there is a shortage. As a result, some children are moved away. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Councillor Townsend added: “Ultimately we really need more foster carers so we can place children near their birth families, friends and schools. Frequently, we hear of people who are interested in fostering but don’t think they can because of the myths that still exist. Regardless, if you are keen to find out more information, please contact the Bridgend Foster Care team.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Restrictions that prevent someone from becoming a foster carer are small. You can be a parent or have no children of your own. You can be single, a couple, in a same sex relationship, married, divorced or separated. You can be claiming benefits or in work. You can own your house or rent. You can apply to foster whatever your cultural background and religious beliefs. You can apply from the age of 21 and can continue fostering past retirement age. No formal qualifications are required. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

In return, Bridgend County Borough Council provides foster carers with extensive training, financial allowances, 24-hour support, plus provides the opportunity to undertake relevant qualifications. Child fostering allowance is not taxed and does not affect any benefits received. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The Bridgend Foster Care Team also organises regular meet and greet sessions that provide friendly information on fostering, including a no-obligation chat with social workers and current foster carers. The next session will take place on Wednesday 20 April at 7pm in the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​