Ahead of National Refugee Week Cumbria County Council’s Fostering Service is looking for foster carers for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). 

This is part of a national transfer scheme with the week starting from June 20 until June 26. 

Across Cumbria there is a need for more people to come forward as foster carers for children of all ages and from all backgrounds but particularly for young people who have come to the UK from a range of countries and who are going through the asylum-seeking process. 

Some of the children and young people need short-term emergency placements, whilst others will be looking for longer term foster care.

READ MORE: Hundreds of children being looked after by foster families in Cumbria

Foster carer Eileen Binstead, from Workington, who has fostered for more than three decades along with her husband, says that some of her most rewarding placements have been for unaccompanied children and young people going through the asylum-seeking process.

She said: "We had our first UASC placement in 2008 and he was a young man, aged 15, from Eritrea called 'James'. His English was very limited but it was clear he was a mature and very bright young man.

"We discovered he was a devout Catholic and he started attending the local secondary school, where they put in place special tutoring to help him learn English. He was given every opportunity at school and he really thrived and made lots of friends.

"In the end James stayed with us for three years, continuing to live with us even after he left the care system and started work in a local toolmaking factory."

READ MORE: Workington foster parent thanked for many years of service

After getting to know his foster carers James also opened up to them about his traumatic experiences in Eritrea and on his long journey to the UK. She said: "He had a terrible time, coming over on the boat to Italy, a friend he was travelling with fell overboard and the boat just continued. It definitely helped him to talk to us and I think he found it therapeutic.

"I would definitely encourage others to think about taking on UASC placements, whether for a short or long time, you can make a huge impact on the lives of these young people when they need it most. If you are the sort of person who wants to help, who could turn them away?"

To find out how to get involved contact 0303 333 1216 or register your interest online at cumbria.gov.uk/fostering