Somerset County Council flew the rainbow flag at County Hall this week, to mark LGBT Fostering week.

Somerset County Council joined forces with other local authorities also flying LGBT flags, offering a symbol of support for those in the LGBT community, who want to make a difference to children's lives.

Caroline and her partner Liz have been fostering for a year and a half and it gives them a real sense of satisfaction: "We foster because we want to support children who are experiencing difficulties in their life and to give back to our community. What we get out of fostering is the knowledge that we are keeping someone safe, and when we hear a giggle or see a smile, it just makes our heart flutter."

Caroline and Liz have written a blog and made a video about their fostering experience at www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk to offer advice to other potential foster carers.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said:

"Flying the LGBT rainbow flag at County Hall is a symbol of our appreciation for LGBT foster carers, and of our commitment to break down existing preconceptions regarding who can foster. There are vulnerable children in Somerset who need help, and we are keen to encourage other enthusiastic, community minded people like Caroline and Liz to come forward. Your age, gender, sexual orientation or marital status are not important – it's what you can offer a child that counts."

If you have a spare room, time and a willingness to care for a child, Somerset County Council would love to hear from you. Call us on 0800 587 9900, visit our website www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or come to an information event to find out more.

The next fostering information events take place at:

Tuesday 12 March – 7pm

Shepton Mallet Costa Coffee, Townsend Shopping Centre, BA4 5EG

Tuesday 9 April 1JW, 7pm Taunton Costa Coffee 25 Fore Street Taunton TA1

Tuesday 14 May, 7pm Yeovil Costa Coffee 13 Middle Street Yeovil BA20 1LE

Tuesday 11 June, 7pm Bridgwater Costa Coffee 12 Cornhill Bridgwater TA6 3BU

 You can hear more about Fostering and have a chance to speak to professional and friendly staff and foster carers. Everyone who attends an event will get a free Costa Coffee and a cake. Please reserve a place by calling 0800 587 9900.

If you want to support fostering in Somerset you can like us at @fosteringinsomerset on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.