Author: Kat Pope

Foster carers, gay or straight, are always desperately needed. It is estimated that a further 9,000 foster families are needed across the country in the next year alone, with a particular need for people to foster teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children.

The Fostering Network charity commissioned a new survey into the state of foster caring in the UK and the results are scary. It showed that existing carers are having to take in more and more children due to the lack of new families volunteering. This is not good for a child as it means that they will ultimately have to be moved yet again when a more suitable place is found for them.

The shortage also means that children are being moved too far away from their families, are unecessarily split up from siblings, and are often forced to move schools.

“I lived in 42 different homes in five years as a very young child,” says care leaver Clare Marshall, “but when I was eight I went to a foster carer who is now my mum to me. I’ve had stability since then but it’s also been extrememly difficult to get over the trauma of my early years.”

To find out more about Fostering, CLICK HERE:

Or contact your local council’s fostering service.

After a successful trial last year, an area just off London Road is to be set aside as an oasis of calm in the midst of a desert of despair.

The little space outside St Bartholomew’s Church called Providence Place Gardens was given a fortnight’s makeover with picnic tables and seating being set up, as well as ping pong tables.

Nearby Ann Street had an artificial turf makeover with an art wall and special events and activities provided for the two weeks.

Called a ‘common room’ by the council, this shared and improved space was funded by money from Europe, and proved a big hit with local residents and visitors.

The council has now given the go-ahead for a package of permanent improvements which will be presented to locals for their scrutiny and reaction.

Detailed proposals will be presented next year for final approval, with the council hoping to start on the physical work soon after that.

It is all part of the ongoing scheme to improve the whole area encompassing The Level, London Road and the Brighton Station.

Brighton City Airways, who fly out of Shoreham Airport, have had to suspend their recently launched Paris service due to French customs and immigration delays.

They will be operating return flights up to the May 6 to get people back from their Bank Holiday breaks, but from May 7 all flights will be suspended.

Full refunds will be offered to people who have already booked.

The company has a full compliment of Paris bookings but have been having to reroute their flights to land at Rouen or Le Touquet before heading off to Paris Pontoise.

This has caused a major delay to passengers as well as a drop in profits for the company.

“We are truly sad to suspend the flights,” said Jonathan Candelon, “not least because our ticket sales are over target and the demand for this airline is proven to be there, but we are forced to postpone flights until the issue is solved at Paris Pontoise.”

For more information: CLICK HERE: