FOSTER parents and shorter-term carers are still urgently needed across the south west, says children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Charity chiefs have revealed they need an additional 550 foster carers in the region.

Barnardo’s children’s services development manager Sal Steeple said: “We have been delighted by the initial response from members of the public following our official launch last year, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to come and ask for more information from us.

“Some people eventually decided it wasn’t for them, or their circumstances changed, but others carried on with the process and became registered foster carers or adopters.”

The charity is looking for people to help with both long-term and short-term fostering, short breaks for disabled children and their families, and adoption.

Barnardo’s does not exclude anyone from consideration on the grounds of sexual orientation, race, marital status, gender, disability or unemployment status.

Visit barnardos.org.uk/swfosteringadoption, email swfamily @barnardos.org.uk or call 0117 937 5500.