English Version - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

ConnectYour community magazine for Blaenau GwentFoster carers share why theylove looking after teenagersWe’re appealing forlocal people toprovide care for localteenagers. Here, three fostercarers tell Connect whythey’re delighted that theCouncil is recognising thatlooking after teenagers couldpotentially be more difficult,and that their work isappreciated.Lisa Robins said:“It is hardenough to be a teenager – I canremember that myself.The youngpeople just want someone to talkto, a family to be part of.”Jackie Jones has fostered for morethan four years and looked aftermore than ten teenagers in thattime.“Looking after teenagerscould be very challenging at timesbut it is very rewarding too,” shesaid.She and husband,Tony, are lookingafter two girls aged 14 and 15 atthe moment.When one of thegirls came to live with the Jones’,she was not in school - but she isnow in full time education.“She isdoing very well, she only neededsome guidance andencouragement,” Jackie told us.“I’m looking forward to Christmas,because I can offer her somethingI know she never had.“I find there’s always someonefrom the Council there to supportme when I need it. I only have topick up the phone.”Lisa Hole has a 17 year old girlwith her and told us:“My girlswho are nine and 12 look up toher and really enjoy having a ‘bigsister’.“Young people are very goodcompany,” she added,“You canhave a good laugh together, goshopping, or out for a mealtogether – it’s great.”Carers are now benefiting from anew ‘Teenage Scheme’ givingsupport to foster carers lookingafter children aged 13 and over. Itmeans they get an additional fee,as well as the fostering allowance,specific training and extra supportfrom the fostering team andpsychology services.Blaenau Gwent is actively lookingfor new foster carers – for moreinformation please ring01495 357792.Business Plan in focus:Engage more local fostercarers through ourrecruitment campaignWe have been working hard tomake sure looked after childrenhave access to more stablefoster care placements inBlaenau Gwent. Latest figuresshow that only 9% of our lookedafter children had three or morefoster placements – that’s betterthan the Wales average. Also, thisyear has seen an increase inadoption, which is a positivemove for children.Discover moreabout the Council’sbusiness plan onpage 4.Keepinghospitals andclinics smoke freeAneurin Bevan HealthBoard is askingsmokers not to light upwithin its grounds.Smoking will be banned fromthe grounds of all hospitals andclinics in Blaenau Gwent fromMarch, in a bid to keep NHSspaces as pleasant and safe aspossible for everybody.Stop Smoking Wales providesexcellent support for anyonewho wants to quit smoking –please call 0800 085 2219.Left to right: Foster carersLisa Robins and Lisa HoleFoster carer Jackie Jonesfor Council news & information visit www.blaenau-gwent. gov.uk 15