A campaign has been launched to recruit more foster carers on Anglesey.

Around 96 children on the island are in the care of almost 60 fostering households on Anglesey - although five more are needed each year.

In January, Foster Wales set a target to recruit an extra 800 foster families nationwide by 2026.

The national network, comprising of staff at all 22 local authorities, says the need for more fosters is increasingly pressing with over 7,000 young people in care across Wales.

The Anglesey branch joined the "Bring Something to the Table" campaign to share realistic experiences from the fostering community to respond to common barriers to enquiries.

Some of these include a lack of confidence, misconceptions around criteria, and a belief that that fostering doesn't fit with certain lifestyles.

A recent YouGov survey found only 44% respondents said social work was well-respected and nearly two fifths (39%) of adults polled felt social work practitioners "often got things wrong." - while only 11% of social workers currently believe social work is well-respected.

The latest phase of the Foster Wales campaign focuses on the role of social workers and the 'support bubble' that exists around foster carers, to provide information, confidence and motivation to potential carers.

Ilaria, a supervising social worker with Anglesey Council for several years, reflected on her role: "Being a supervising social worker is about building relationships with everyone in the fostering household, and everyone involved in the child or young person's life. The trust that comes from these relationships is key to everything."

"We have a great team of support workers who are also there to support our foster families. We are all close by, living in the same community. I believe that foster carers should be viewed as professionals, and I always try to treat them as professionals as we are part of the same team, that's what local authority fostering is all about."

"When you foster with your local authority, you will have a team to support and encourage you, every step of the way."

She added: "One of the most rewarding aspects of this job for me is when some of the children and their families come back years later and tell me how much of a difference we have made to their lives, there is no other feeling like it."

The latest stage of "Bring Something to the Table" is guided by a newly commissioned survey to better understand preconceptions and motivations of social workers. 309 responded and their key findings included:

• 78% social workers surveyed said they entered the profession to support and help families.
• 18% foster carers said negative perceptions of social workers were because of News coverage.
• 29% foster carers said before meeting a social worker they thought they would be 'people with heavy caseloads and lots of paperwork.'
• 27% social workers surveyed believe potential carers fear being judged by professionals.

In the research, foster carers highlighted the importance of close and long-lasting working relationships to support young people to overcome challenges.

They were also keen to dispel myths about social workers and the support you receive, and paid tribute to the dedication of their social workers

Ian, who has been fostering with Anglesey Council for more than 25 years, said: "I have a fantastic social worker who I can completely trust, and that's important especially as a single foster carer. She listens to me, and we can be open and honest with each other."

"There's a bit of fun to be had too, and that's needed sometimes to support you through the challenging parts of fostering. Small things like that go a long way and reminds you that someone is always there for you."

Cllr Dyfed Wyn Jones, who holds the children, young people and families portfolio, added: "As a local authority foster carer, our fostering team will provide everything you need to make a difference in the lives of Anglesey children."

"From support and expertise, to training and guidance, the Foster Wales Anglesey community is here for you."

"If you can offer warmth, empathy, and a secure loving home, you could change the life of a young person. Our experienced local staff will support you at every step of your fostering journey. Please get in touch and enquire about becoming a local authority foster carer, today."

For more information about fostering, or to make an enquiry, visit the Foster Wales Anglesey website.