A CAMPAIGN to dispel myths about fostering and encourage more Wiltshire people to foster teenagers begins this week.

Wiltshire Council is launching a two-week drive on Monday as part of national Foster Care Fortnight, to encourage more people to sign up to fostering. There will be an information session for people wanting to talk to foster carers, and the team, about the rewards of being a foster carer and the difference it can make to a child's life, at City Hall in Salisbury on May 20.

Lisa Croker, 29, who was in foster care when she was younger, will aalso attend the session to give insight into the impact foster care can make.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children's services, said: “We have some amazing foster carers in Wiltshire who can transform young people's lives. I'm sure there are many people out there who have considered fostering but worry they are not suitable or don't have the right accommodation. We want them to come and talk to us and find out more about what fostering means so we can increase that army of good people who are prepared to welcome young people into their home, and give them the right opportunities for a good start in life.”

During the session, which starts at 7pm, there will be a live web chat link available so those who can't attend can still talk to foster carers. The link will be live from 7pm to 9pm at wiltshire.gov.uk/fosteringliveqa.