THE public are being encouraged to give Wirral's vulnerable children a life-changing New Year as part of a foster care recruitment campaign.

Each year, the council looks after more than 500 children and young people, aiming to find homes for them with stable, loving families.

New foster carers are always needed, and anyone, no matter what your background, can apply to help change a child's life for the better.

Cllr Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and families, said: "We launched our All Walks of Life campaign last year to dispel some of the myths around fostering.

"Some people think you can't foster if you already have kids, or if you don't have kids, or if you live alone.

"None of these things are true.

"We aim to find loving families for every child who is made eligible for fostering.

"What better resolution to make for the New Year than to change a child's life for the better?"

Diane Burns, team leader in the council's fostering team said: "Deciding to foster a child is a big decision, and there is a lot of help and advice available to help you make it.

"Our current foster carers can talk you through the application process and give advice on day to day issues or on any concerns you might have.

"You can be male or female, single, married, with a partner, in a civil partnership, divorced or widowed.

"Anyone can be a foster carer.

"All we ask is that you can offer a child stability, consistency and a loving home where they can develop and grow."

For more details, visit www.wirral.gov.uk/fostering or call 0151 606 2400.