Foster carers and children in care in Pembrokeshire now have extra support in the County with the launch of the Pembrokeshire Foster Carers Association.
The new Association was created after a questionnaire asked foster carers in the County if they supported re-forming a local branch and if so, what they would like it to achieve.
"Among the suggestions was the need to raise funds to support those children in care who have needs that can't easily be funded by the Local Authority, for example specialist support or even breaks or training," said Chairman Alex Allison.
He added: "As well as support for the children and their families, who can be going through troubled times, the questionnaire identified the need for funding to give respite to the carers and children, as well as organising events and activities.
"An important issue was the need for an advice and support organisation for the Foster Carers, no matter what the difficulty."
As a result, a constitution was drawn up with the involvement of carers and the Association was officially launched at County Hall in Haverfordwest.
It was attended by a number of Pembrokeshire Foster carers and guests, including Philip Sutton who gave a talk on the work of the National (Welsh) Foster Carers Association and the types of support available to local members.
Councillor Hugh George gave a brief talk on the work of the carers and the valuable contribution they make to the lives of those who can't look after themselves.
There were also two guests from the family placement team and Kathy s'Jacob and Luke Chapman from Pembrokeshire County Council who work very closely with the carers.
Following a vote of the carers present, Mr Allison signed the constitution which formally launched the Association Branch and assured all present that every carer would get a copy and be invited to attend meetings, receive the minutes and reports.
"But more importantly, I would like to assure them that there is a voice at the end of the phone who will try to help and support them," he said.
To contact the Pembrokeshire Foster Carers Association, please phone Mr. Alex Allison (Chairman) on 01348 872024 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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