Connolly backs fostering and adoption campaign

Billy Connolly has given his personal backing to a new campaign to encourage more people to foster and adopt children.

In his first public act since receiving the Freedom of the City of Glasgow, the comedian made an appeal for new foster carers and adoptive parents to come forward in the city. Connolly said it was distressing that there are young people in Glasgow who feel unwanted and unloved.

More than 1000 children in the city currently need foster parents, leading Connolly to urge anyone considering fostering or adoption to contact the council as a way to “change a young life for the better”.

He said: “Sadly, even today, there are children growing up in Glasgow feeling unwanted and unloved – this is not only distressing but also unnecessary when there are families prepared to give children a happy loving home.

“If you would consider fostering or adopting a child please get in touch with Glasgow City Council.

“One phone call could change someone’s life for the better – and it might just be yours.”

Glasgow City Council – like most other local authorities in Scotland – urgently needs more people to get involved in caring for vulnerable children and young people.

David Crawford, executive director of social work at the council, at the launch of the Be Part of Someone’s Memories campaign, said: “Already we are very lucky to have dedicated and committed adoptive parents and foster carers who play such a vital role in giving Glasgow’s children the best start in life.

“However, we do need many more. There is a national shortage of foster carers and adoptive parents.

“We need people to come forward and to consider giving Glasgow’s children a stable home and positive future.”

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Bob Winter, who unveiled a Memory Wall filled with childhood memories from Scottish celebrities, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the support and backing we have received for this vitally important campaign.

“I would also like to give my personal thanks to Billy Connolly for his support.

“At the Freedom of the City ceremony last month, I said Billy was a fantastic ambassador for Glasgow.

“By sticking up for vulnerable young people in his home town he has quickly shown what the honour means to him.

“He has given us a very powerful message that speaks of the realities faced by many children in this city. I hope people appreciate the significance of Billy’s appeal.

“The city urgently needs new foster carers and adoptive parents and we want to get that message to as many people as we possibly can.

“For anyone who has ever thought about fostering or adoption now is the time to step forward.”