More businesses are being urged to follow the lead of the Marches Business Group in Llandrindod Wells by becoming a Foster Wales Partner in Powys.

The call comes as figures show that nearly 40 per cent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. Those who do say having a supportive employer can make all the difference when it comes to balancing the demands of both roles.

By becoming a Foster Wales Partner in Powys, businesses commit to understanding and promoting fostering, supporting foster carers and care-experienced young people, and helping to find the right homes for some of the most vulnerable children in local communities.

Sharon Powell, Powys County Council’s Head of Children’s Services, said: “Supportive employers can make being a foster carer so much easier. They can also have a big influence on an employee’s decision to become a foster carer in the first place.

“By being aware of the challenges of the fostering role, such as responding to emergencies, children arriving at short notice, attending meetings and training, you can make a real difference in your community.

She continued: “Foster Wales believes a further 800 fostering households or families are needed across the country to help provide the right homes for the growing number of children who are in the care of their local council. And in Powys we are also committed to making sure more of our vulnerable young people are cared for in their home communities or as close to them as possible.”

The Marches Business Group, based on the Ddole Road Industrial Estate in Llandrindod Wells, has become the first private sector Foster Wales Partner in Powys.

Simon Dadson, Operations Director for the company, which focuses on business growth and development, said: “We are proud to be one of the first Foster Wales Partners in Powys and want to understand and offer support to foster carers and care-experienced young people within our current and future teams.”

Businesses interested in becoming a Foster Wales Partner in Powys can email [email protected] or call 0800 22 30 627.

Foster Wales is a national network of all local authority fostering teams in Wales, with 22 teams across the country. Each local fostering team provides local support, convenience and community, and knows the children, carers and communities they work with.

Foster Wales Powys says it actively welcomes people from all backgrounds, and that there is no single “ideal” foster family. What matters most is the stability, love and consistency that can be offered to a child in care.

Fostering is described as flexible, with a range of arrangements available, from a few hours a week or a weekend stay through to longer-term placements. Support is also provided to help fostering fit around work and family life, with teachers, social workers and therapists forming part of the wider support network around each child.

It is also made clear that people can foster in a range of circumstances, including those who are living in rented accommodation.