People in Dover and Deal who want to make a difference to a child or young person's life are being invited to an information centre on Wednesday.

Kent County Council’s fostering team say the district is one of those where new carers are needed most.

7 to 8.30pm. from Wednesday March 14Anyone interested in caring for a child or children who are unable to live with their parents for a variety of reasons can pop along to The Ark, Noah's Ark Road, Dover, on

The event opens with a presentation about fostering, how to get started and details of all the help and support that is available. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to speak to foster carers about their experiences of this challenging yet rewarding role.

One of the foster carers who will be there to answer any questions is Vince Smith. He has been fostering with KCC for six years and is encouraging people to come along.

He said: "You have the chance to make a difference to a child’s life, which otherwise they may not get. Being a foster carer is a challenge and no two days are the same but role is very satisfying. I am looking forward to talking about my experiences and what it is like to be a carer on 14 March."

There is a comprehensive induction programme. Foster carers also receive on-going support and training, a generous fostering allowance and money to provide for the child or children.

KCC Cabinet Member for Specialist Children’s Services, Jenny Whittle, said: "Dover is an area where we are particularly looking for new foster carers. One of our priorities is to place children, wherever possible, in their local area, so they can still be among friends and relatives and continue to go to the same school."

For more information about fostering with Kent County Council, log on towww.kent.gov.uk/fostering or call 0845 330 2968.