DUDLEY Council has urged residents interested in becoming foster carers to take the first step towards supporting vulnerable children.

The authority has organised a number of drop-in sessions as part of national Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from May 14 to 27.

Visitors will have the chance to speak informally to a member of the fostering team and also some of Dudley’s existing carers.

Drop-in sessions will be held at:

*Monday, May 14 from 6pm to 8pm at Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill

*Wednesday, May 16 from 10am to 3pm at Saltwells Education Centre

*Thursday, May 17 from 10am to noon at Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre

*Friday, May 18 from 10am to 3pm at Cornbow Shopping Centre in Halesowen

*Tuesday, May 22 from 10am to 3pm at Costa Coffee in the Ryemarket

*Thursday, May 24 from 12 to 5pm at Ladies Walk Centre in Sedgley

*Saturday, May 26 from 1pm to 3pm at St Thomas’s Church in Stourbridge

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said: “These sessions give people interested in fostering a chance to have their questions answered in a relaxed and informal environment.

“They’re also a great opportunity to speak to our existing carers about what fostering is really like.

“No one has to make a commitment when they attend, we’d just really like to hear from people who think they can offer a home to children looked after by Dudley borough.”

“There’s a number of drop-in sessions taking place during the fortnight but for those who can’t make it, our website www.fosteringindudley.org.uk is a great place to find out more.”

People can find out more by visiting www.fosteringindudley.org.uk, emailing dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk or calling 01384 815833.