WREXHAM Council is appealing for people to come forward to make a difference to children’s lives by offering them a home.

The local authority is raising awareness of a number of ways people can help youngsters, including fostering, adopting or providing supported lodgings.

The council has been looking at ways to increase the pool of carers in the area after figures published last year showed it was responsible for more than 300 looked after children, but only had just over 100 foster carers available.

It has resulted in the authority becoming reliant on agencies and residential care providers, with the average amount charged by private companies standing at approximately £819 per week.

The sum is compared to just £184 for an in-house carer.

The council is now aiming to recruit people aged 21 and over to provide children with a safe and caring home.

A spokesperson said: “We are recruiting for a wide range of carers for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years of age both short term and long term.

“We will provide you with 24/7 support 365 days a year, an allowance and other great benefits, excellent training and ongoing learning opportunities and be with you every step of the way.

“You will have the support of a wide range of expertise from professionals, including foster carers.

“You will become part of a caring, enthusiastic, child focussed and fun team who will always be there with the right advice, support and guidance.

“We are more than happy to answer all questions and provide more information, including speaking to foster carers to hear their experiences, to assist you in taking the next step to joining us and being part of something really amazing and supporting our children of Wrexham.”

For more information, call 01978 295316, e-mail fostering@wrexham.gov.uk or visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/childrens-social-care/fostering