CONWY Castle will light up orange to mark Foster Care Fortnight.

Conwy County Borough Council is calling on more people to consider fostering as part of the two-week event from May 10 to May 23 and will illuminate Conwy Castle in orange to raise awareness.

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, cabinet member for children, families and safeguarding, said: “Foster carers provide day-to-day support, love and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families. While many of us may have been unhappy about spending the best part of the last year cooped up at home, for some young people they can only dream of having the sense of safety, security and comfort that home has provided us with.

“It’s quite simply something that can seem out of reach to some children and young people.”

Hundreds of new foster families are needed every year in Wales to care for children of all ages, and in particular for sibling groups, older children and young people, children with additional needs, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

“There are many misconceptions surrounding fostering.” added Cllr Carlisle. “For example, some people think you have to be in a relationship or married – or own your own home – and that’s simply not true.

“One of the things about fostering is that it’s not about changing a child, it’s about letting them be themselves and helping them discover who they are so they can flourish. Therefore, we welcome applications from people who can bring a wide range of life and work experiences with them to the role.

“Many people in Conwy County will have spare rooms that could become a sanctuary, transforming a child’s life and ensuring they thrive.”

If you think you could make a difference by becoming a foster carer in Conwy, visit www.conwy.gov.uk/fostering