A BROMSGROVE fostering agency is urging more families to become foster parents once their children leave the family home for university.

A record 40.5% of all 18-year-olds in the UK have applied to go to university this year, with numbers rising significantly during lockdown, according to the university admissions service, UCAS.

Clifford House, which provides fostering services in Bromsgrove, are looking for people with a spare room to consider opening their home up to a foster child.

With the increase in students applying for university this year, and for those who have an additional spare room at home and room in their lives for another child, fostering can be a way to turn an ‘empty nest’ into an opportunity to give a child a brighter future.

Clifford House want to ensure people who are open to fostering have an additional spare room to the one that their child has left, as it is likely that students will return home throughout their academic year to visit their family.

Call 0800 369 8515 or visit www.cliffordhousefostering.com for more information.

Hannah Cooper, registered manager, said: “Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents may feel when their children leave home for the first time, whether that’s to live on their own or attend college or university.

“It can be a difficult time for some parents. The house can be just too quiet, too empty. Some people even report significant physical and psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

“This could be the perfect time for people to consider opening their doors to a vulnerable child or a young person. Someone who is in need of a safe and stable home life.”