Last month, I attended the Bracknell Forest Foster Carers conference. This was a chance for foster carers to come together and learn from each other’s experiences.

I really appreciate all that foster carers do to support their children and enhance their life chances. Becoming a foster parent isn’t an easy choice but many achieve huge satisfaction from their work.

Listening to the young people themselves, it is obvious the positive influence a caring home and supportive adults can have.

We need more local foster parents so our children do not have to move out of the area. If you are interested in joining our family of foster parents contact Bracknell Forest Fostering team. For an informal, confidential, no commitment chat, call 01344 352020 or email fostering@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

I’d like to highlight the free tech support drop-in sessions offered at Bracknell Library for older and disabled people, in collaboration with AbilityNet. AbilityNet can help with technology and digital know-how using mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, fitness trackers, headphones and more.

There’s no need to book, just come along on the second Friday of each month, with the next session on Friday, March 8 from 10am to 11.30am.

March 8, is also International Women’s Day, a chance to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the world and to remember all that women are still fighting to achieve. Half the population still needs parity of opportunity and equality.  

We still strive for equal pay for equal work. In some countries, women strive for the opportunity to be educated.

According to the World Economic Forum, at the present rate of change, gender parity will not be attained for well over a century. There is much to do to support, encourage and find chances to make women’s voices heard