Both young mothers and their newborn babies are in need of foster families in Brighton and Hove.

The single mothers, with very limited care and support available to care for their new child, are being taken in by kind-hearted families in the city.

Fostering Fortnight, which starts today, aims to focus on the vital role foster carers play.

The Fostering Network warns children are being moved too many times between foster families because of a lack of carers across the country.

A survey found that in the last two years three out of five foster carers have cared for children who have previously had two or more moves between homes.

A tenth have cared for children who have had 10 or more moves before coming to live with them.

Teenagers who are also young mothers can be some of the more difficult people to find foster carers for.

But one pair of carers in the city are working to redress the problem – providing a home for parent and baby as well as giving advice and support to the parent to look after their baby.

Mother-of-three Wendy Barker has been a full-time foster carer for four years and a parent and baby carer for the last two.

Mrs Barker said: “I’m used to being busy and I grew up sharing our house with other people, so fostering feels natural to me. Even now we still have one of my parents’ former residents living with us.

“My husband Darren and I were both lucky enough to have happy childhoods and we’ve been able to do the same for our children. But not everyone is as fortunate.

“The parents we work with are trying to deal with big issues in their lives. Many were born into difficult situations that weren’t their fault.

“We want to give them the stable, supportive environment that we took for granted when we were growing up.”

Mr Barker said: “These are people who in difficult circumstances have decided to really try to keep their children. It’s a massive commitment for them.

“It can be tough to say goodbye at the end of their stay, particularly with the children. But success means you’re helping families stay together.

“We always feel like we can make a positive difference for the children, and when you do see the change it’s a great feeling. We’re 100 per cent for fostering.”

The next fostering information sessions are on:

Tuesday - from 10am to 1pm at the Holmbush Shopping Centre in Shoreham

Saturday - from 10am to midday at Stanmer House, Stanmer Park, Brighton

The council offers excellent 24-hour support and financial allowances of up to £1,400 per month per child to all its foster carers.

For further information about fostering in Brighton and Hove phone the council's fostering team on 01273 295444, visit www.fosteringinbrightonandhove.org.uk or email fostering.adoption@brighton-hove.gov.uk.