A new support network for foster carers has launched in Basingstoke.

Hampshire County Council have unveiled Hampshire Hive during foster care fortnight, a network that aims to create an "extended family" for households that foster young people.

It is designed to increase support among carers and young people, providing "advice, guidance, practical and emotional support".

In Basingstoke, it is being led by Ben, a foster carer of seven years.

He and his wife Kelly decided to foster as they felt their family was incomplete, having no children of their.

The couple specialise in looking after teenagers, and will now act as a point of contact for the network of Basingstoke carers.

Ben said: "We’ve found how much fun you can have fostering and just how much a young person has to offer. As we grew in capability and confidence, we went from just having one child placed with us to having two.

"We always saw ourselves as looking after very young children but now we almost exclusively look after teens. Teens have so much to offer – it’s not always plain sailing but when you make a small difference in their lives it’s a great feeling.

“We have taught kids how to tell the time, got them back on track at school, taught practical skills like shopping and cooking, built self-esteem and confidence to enable the child to use public transport independently and to begin to make good decisions for themselves.

“Most of all we have provided a safe home.”

Meanwhile, Amber James, head of Hampshire’s fostering service, said: “In Hampshire, we have an ambitious vision for children, and our looked-after children are at the centre of this. We have listened to what our foster families tell us they need, and by launching this new network, we want to provide a ‘support bubble’ around children and young people in care.

"Hampshire Hives will support children and young people to have the security of staying in one placement and not needing to move to another while they are in our care. It will also enhance the overall wellbeing and satisfaction of our foster carers.

“We have recruited support workers from our own pool of experienced foster carers to lead Hampshire Hives across the county, and the service is headed by a dedicated and experienced senior member of staff.

"In addition to offering support, the Hampshire Hive network will have a social aspect, with children and carers making friends with other fostering families.

“Anyone who would like to find out more about fostering a Hampshire child should get in touch with us. If you have space in your heart and in your home for a child in need, we will train and support you all the way.”

If you are interested in finding out more about fostering, visit hants.gov.uk/fostering.