The stars come out in support of Foster Care Fortnight

Television personalities Gabby Logan and Fern Britton and award-winning author Jacqueline Wilson have thrown their support behind Foster Care Fortnight.Running from 14-27 May and co-ordinated by the Fostering Network, Foster Care Fortnight brings together fostering services from throughout the UK to recruit foster carers and raise the profile of fostering.

With a child coming into care and needing a foster carer every 22 minutes across the UK, the Fostering Network has this year launched the 22 Minutes campaign which will run throughout Foster Care Fortnight.

The 22 Minutes website includes inspirational videos and blogs from foster carers and care leavers from across the UK.

Gabby Logan said: “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing home and foster carers throughout the UK devote their time and energy all year round to providing this for some of our most vulnerable children.
 
“I am supporting the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight again this year to celebrate foster carers' hard work and to encourage others to find out if they have the skills needed to foster.
 
“With a child coming into care and needing a foster home every 22 minutes, now is the time to care.”

Jacqueline Wilson, a longstanding supporter of the campaign and the Fostering Network’s wider work, said: “I am proud to be associated with the Fostering Network, and know that many real-life Tracy Beakers have been helped towards a much brighter future through foster care.
“There are tens of thousands of children living with foster families across the country, but many more foster carers are needed. Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to show you have the time to care.”

Fern Britton said: “Some children in the UK do not have the basics that every child should be able to expect from their parents. Foster carers give the love, support, guidance and encouragement that children need to develop and have the best chance of a positive future.

“Foster Care Fortnight is a fantastic celebration of the dedication foster carers give to the most vulnerable children around the UK.

“With a child coming into care and needing a foster home every 22 minutes, find out if you have the skills needed to foster today.”

Gabby, Jacqueline and Fern’s support for Foster Care Fortnight adds to that already received from Gareth Gates and Samantha Morton.

You can find out more about becoming a foster carer and about the 22 Minutes campaign by visiting our website or by contacting your local fostering service.

For media enquiries contact the Fostering Network press office on 020 7620 6425 or media@fostering.net, or visit the Foster Care Fortnight media centre for more news and to download the campaign press pack.

Notes to editors

1.    For media enquiries contact the media team on 020 7620 6425 or media@fostering.net

2.    Foster Care Fortnight is the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers. This year it takes place from 14 to 27 May. Download the campaign press pack.

3.    Around 60,000 children live with 45,000 foster families on any one day in the UK. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 8,750 foster families need to be found in 2012 alone.

4.    The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in fostering, and exists to make life better for fostered children and those who care for them. Follow us on Twitter @fosteringnet