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Could you consider fostering in 2023? Meet local foster carers, Maureen and Gary

Foster carers Maureen and Gary have been fostering with Nottinghamshire County Council for over 25 years. They are keen to see more vulnerable children supported by loving families in 2023.

When we asked why foster carers are so important, Maureen explained,  “children need a family environment, they need to know that someone loves them. It is really important for children to have that support. The children we’ve fostered have now gone on to have families of their own and settle down. It is so rewarding to see them grow up. It’s a vocation and a passion. If you want to look after children and make a difference, the reward is fantastic.”

Maureen also emphasised the support that foster carers receive. She said, “you have a social worker working with you and the child has their own social worker too. You all work together. You are fully supported in every aspect at every stage, there is always someone there for you.”

We’re looking for more Notts foster carers to support local children. If you could provide a safe, loving, stable home environment, we want to hear from you! We’re committed to providing great training, support and benefits to all of our foster carers.

Latest news

SEND Ofsted inspection 2023 – don’t miss the chance to have your say!

Share your views on the SEND Ofsted survey by 9am tomorrow on Tuesday 24 January 2023. Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are currently visiting Nottinghamshire to assess how effective the local education, health, and care services are at identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25.

Get around for £2 in Notts!

Until 31 March, you will be able to pay less to get around by bus, thanks to the Government’s £2 fare cap for single journeys. This is all part of the Government’s Help for Households scheme to tackle the cost of living. So, whether you’re travelling to work, heading out to meet friends or anything in between, why not catch the bus and make the most of the scheme!

Community groups can still apply for cost of living grants

Do you know any parish councils, voluntary or community groups working to help local residents with the cost of living? Two sets of Local Communities Fund grants are still available, so please spread the word! The first grant is aimed at groups helping those who are struggling to afford nutritious food, to help boost health and well-being. The second is for groups that need a financial helping hand  towards their own rising energy costs. Eligible groups can apply for up to £5,000 from either/both grant funds before Sunday 29 January 2023.

What's on

Term time fun for families

The Mill Adventure Base, Kings Mill Reservoir

Looking for something fun and magical to try with the little ones? Join the Fairy Folk and friends for Wild Tots! Fairy Tales - interactive outdoor activities and sessions for families with young children (1-4 years).

• Thursdays only from 23 February to 30 March 2023
• Morning session 10:15am to 11:30am or
• Afternoon session 1:15pm to 2:30pm
• £30 per 6-week block with sibling discount available.

Enjoy our beautiful parks

Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is full of beautiful green spaces and trails to enjoy from Bestwood Country Park, Daneshill lakes in Bassetlaw and Vicar Water Country Park.

There’s plenty to see and do without having to go very far.

Competition

Reduce and recycle for a greener 2023 - win an eco bundle

If you’re still thinking about a New Year’s resolution for 2023, why not commit to reducing your waste by using eco-friendly products and recycling as much as possible this year?

We know that at times it can be confusing to know what can and can’t be recycled in Nottinghamshire. To help clear up any confusion, we’ve created a new Recycling Checker that is available in the free MyNotts app. The Recycling Checker allows users to search thousands of items to find out if they can be recycled at home, if they need to be disposed of in another way, or if they need to be taken to one of our 12 recycling centres across the county.

To help get you started on your waste reduction journey, we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Project Eco21 personal care bundle, which includes a comprehensive range of plastic free bathroom essentials, such as re-useable cotton pads, bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable bamboo cotton buds.

To enter, email competitions@nottscc.gov.uk with the answer to this question:

Where can you find the new Recycling Checker?

 Make sure you include your name and address in the email, and a winner will be picked at random. The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 27 January 2023.