A BROMSGROVE agency has clinched a prestigious government contract to run a helpline to support foster carers across the UK - for a second time.

FosterTalk first won the contract in July 2013 and has now won through the rigorous tendering process to deliver the Fosterline England service on behalf of the Department for Education for another two years.

Fosterline is a free, confidential helpline and interactive website - including "live chat" with an adviser - to support current foster carers.

It also helps those thinking of fostering and, since first winning the contract, has provided advice and information to over 110,000 enquirers.

Steven Stockley, Fosterline manager, said: "After using our service, foster carers’ comment to us that that they feel calmer, reassured, informed and empowered.

"Likewise, those who are thinking of fostering feel more knowledgeable about the assessment process and understand what their next step should be."

Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families, said: “My own parents fostered almost 90 children, so I know only too well that fostering is a hugely rewarding and life-changing experience – not only for the children who are cared for, but for foster families too.

"We must make sure we have as many people as possible, with the right skills and experience, coming forward to foster, and I believe Fosterline is a valuable source of advice and support that will help meet this need.”

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who visited FosterTalk, said: “I’m delighted a Bromsgrove organisation has been awarded this significant contract – twice."

FosterTalk helps more than 30,000 foster carers nationwide, working alongside over 125 fostering services in the support of their foster carers.

Fosterline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding Bank Holidays, on 0800 040 7675 and at fosterline.info.