A local foster care agency is urging people in the Tenby area to think about making a New Year's resolution that will not only make a real difference to their life but to the life of children or young people.

Judith Rees, director at south Wales-based Pathway Care, says that at the end of December many of us enthusiastically announce that we are going to change some aspect of our lives for the better, but only a small number of us actually do anything about it.

Judith commented: "Why not look to do just that with a resolution to become a foster carer? Such a commitment would not only improve your life but that of one of the many vulnerable children or young people looking to enjoy the safety and support a caring and stable family environment can provide.

"While Christmas is a very happy time for many, it can prove to be a particularly hard and cheerless season for others. However, anyone stepping forward in January 2011 to find out more about fostering could be providing a safe and supportive home life for someone well before next Christmas.

"In our experience some of the most successful applicants have been thinking about fostering for many years, but have held back from applying - often waiting for their own children to grow up. Others wrongfully assume that being single precludes them from being able to foster - which isn't true if you have a good family support network around you.

"Given the current Welsh Assembly Government spending cuts, which will inevitably result in many people losing their jobs especially in the public sector, fostering can provide an excellent career opportunity.

"While recognising that fostering can be challenging, the rewards both emotionally and financially can make it very worthwhile, particularly when you have given a foster child the opportunity to develop their confidence and help them fulfil their potential."

If you think fostering could be for you, please contact the team on 0871 2263760, or visit http://www.pathwaycare.com">www.pathwaycare.com