Could you give a child a loving home?

The council has an unmatched payment and benefits package as it continues to recruit its own dedicated foster carers to support 315 children in its care and help tackle the national shortage of carers.  

You may work in the care sector and want to use your skills to support a foster child. Or maybe your own children have moved out and you have the time and space to welcome a foster child. You don't even need to have had children to foster - all that's needed is a desire to help improve a child's outcomes by providing a loving and supportive home. 

Lydia Blake, 35, who works part-time as a social worker for the council, and her husband Jonathan Blake, 37, from Uxbridge, began fostering their first child, a 15-year-old girl, in November. The couple, who have three daughters aged five, seven and nine, said their foster child has enriched their lives. 

Jonathan said: "Fostering is something we always thought about because we wanted to help and support children in the community. Our foster child is someone our children look up to, and we're fortunate that she's a really great example for them as well."   

Lydia added: "It's really rewarding - we are starting to get her ready for her GCSEs and she's doing really well." 

Foster carers in Hillingdon can earn up to £1,500 per week and receive a 25 per cent reduction in council tax when looking after a child in care. This also includes £1,000 off utility bills, a winter fuel allowance and a family Platinum Merlin pass. This equates to an annual salary of up to £72,000.  

Since the launch of the council's campaign in May to recruit more foster carers with the most competitive package in London, it has received more than 135 enquiries. 

Lydia said: "The payments and incentives from Hillingdon Council have been really useful. We've got a Merlin pass and we're looking forward to days out together. We got our foster child just before Christmas and it meant we could buy her presents and it all felt like one big family, which was great.  

"With the rising cost of living, having another child does bring extra expenses, but thanks to Hillingdon's generous package, we haven't had to worry about food shopping or higher utility bills. 

"The support from the council has been fantastic throughout. Our social worker is brilliant - from the moment our foster child moved in with us we had regular visits and phone calls, and we still do now. We find the support is invaluable."  

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "We are incredibly proud of the positive impact our fantastic foster carers, like Lydia and Jonathan, have on the lives of children in need by providing a stable and loving home. 

"Fostering can be life-changing for both the child and the family, and we encourage more residents to consider this rewarding role. With our unrivalled financial package and ongoing support, we are ensuring our foster carers have everything they need to make a difference."  

Find out more about fostering for Hillingdon at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering