A CAMPAIGN has been launched to boost the number of foster carers in Renfrewshire to 100.

Foster carers already in the role are supporting the bid to increase numbers by almost a fifth.

Husband-and-wife team Graeme and Shona Small are among those backing Renfrewshire Council’s efforts to boost numbers.

Graeme said: “If you’re a foster carer, you are doing it for the children, to try to make a difference in their life.

“We have a wall in our house with photos of all the children we’ve looked after and every one of them has a smile from ear to ear.”

Shona added: “I love kids and love thinking I’m playing a part in shaping the next generation.

“The children keep me young and focused and it’s nice to be able to offer nurture, care and security.

“It’s very much a give and take and the kids probably don’t realise they are giving quite as much as they do.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Anyone over the age of 21 with a spare room and in good health can apply for the role.

Foster carers can be in work or unemployed, be single, married or in a same sex or heterosexual relationship and can own or rent the property they live in.

Based in Renfrewshire, foster carer Alice Preston, 65, said: “I would say to anyone considering it that it’s a fantastic thing to do.

“You can change a wee person’s life.”

To mark Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until May 27, Renfrewshire Council will be holding informal events where potential foster carers can get more information from the local authority’s team of professionals and the chance to chat with people already in the role.

Education and children’s services convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “If you think you could help to make a real difference to a young person’s life and offer them a brighter future, we would love to hear from you.”

Anyone who would like more information can call  Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 1199 or email childrenandfamilies@renfrewshire.gov.uk.