A FIRST-time foster mum has urged more people in Oxfordshire to sign up to offer a safe home to vulnerable children.

Shirley Gelleburn and her husband Andy, both 33, decided to volunteer last year and are awaiting their first placement.

The couple described their path to becoming foster parents as part of a countywide recruitment drive to help plug a shortage of foster carers.

Mrs Gelleburn, from Banbury, said: “We wanted to become foster parents because my husband has two children from a previous relationship and we see them on a part-time basis.

“We see what a difference you can have as parents for the short periods of time you have your children. We talked about making a difference to other children who need our help.”

The couple called Oxfordshire County Council last summer, before going to an open evening to discuss what type of children need support and the different types of fostering.

They were then assigned a social worker who visited them regularly over several months to discuss their attitudes, values and family life.

Mrs Gelleburn said: “We discussed our thoughts on different sorts of relationships, religions, family networks and schooling.

“I’m sure some people would feel it’s a little intrusive, but it’s not really. It’s like talking about your life to a friend.

“You don’t have to have a particular set of values, but you need to accept other people that do.”

Mrs Gelleburn added: “You have to understand the children may have been through a pretty horrific ordeal of some sort. You’ve got to do what you can to make them feel comfortable and safe, and support them through whatever difficult situation they’re going through.”

Nationally there is a shortage of 10,000 carers; in Oxfordshire, there are 435 children in care and 366 carers.

The council wants to recruit 45 more foster carers by the end of March 2012.

Drop-in events are being held around the county for Foster Care Fortnight. They are at: Chipping Norton Leisure Centre, 3-8pm on Monday; Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield, 4-8pm on Tuesday; Carterton Leisure Centre, 3-7pm on Wednesday; Henley Leisure Centre 4-8pm on Thursday; Barton Leisure Centre,Oxford, 6- 8pm on Friday, and Didcot Wave Pool noon to 5pm next Saturday.

To find out more, call 0800 7835 724, or email fostering@oxford.gov.uk