PEOPLE are being encouraged to become foster carers and provide a child with “a positive experience of family life.”

Stockton Borough Council is holding an information session for prospective foster carers and adopters on Tuesday, 24 January.

The event will begin at 6.30pm and take place at Stockton Central Library on Church Road.

Val Jackson, who became a foster carer 16 years ago, said the experience is “inspiring”.

“When I was a young girl, one of our neighbours was a foster carer.

“Even at that young age she inspired me to think I could be like her and help others.

“Now, nearly sixty years on, I can’t imagine life any other way.”

The 64-year-old’s husband, Paul, added: “No foster carer or parent starts out knowing it all.

“The most important thing is having the commitment, love and understanding, and the rest seems to fall into place from there.”

Cllr Ann McCoy, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I would urge anyone who has considered fostering or adoption to drop in to the information session for an informal discussion with our child placement team.

“There is no pressure to make a commitment but it could set you off on the life-changing experience of being part of a child’s journey.”

Residents unable to attend the information session but interested in finding out more can get an information pack by visiting www.stockton.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption or by telephoning the council’s child placement team on 01642 526218.