Real life stories and myth-busting facts are at the heart of a new website encouraging more people to foster with Somerset County Council.

Many people considering fostering think about it long before making an enquiry and do lots of research online.

The newly launched http://www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk website from the Somerset County Council fostering service 'Fostering in Somerset' gives people a real insight into fostering and the benefits of working with a non-profit service.

It's home to a huge amount of useful information, as well as stories and films from real life foster carers, profiles of children in care and answers to common FAQs to help people find out if they are ready to foster.

Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council, said: "We are passionate about recruiting nurturing foster carers to look after our children in care. This new website gives people all the information they need and real stories from our foster carers, to help them decide if fostering is right for them. The quiz is particularly useful and helps to dispel some of the myths surrounding who can and can't foster."

'Fostering in Somerset' is particularly looking for people with space in their lives to foster an older child or teenager. There is a need for foster carers who can look after siblings, offer long-term permanent placements, short breaks for children with disabilities, and parent-and-child foster placements to support young families and help them to learn parenting skills.

The website will continue to be updated with the latest news, real stories, foster care diaries, blogs and films.

This year Somerset County Council is also looking for people who can rent out a room and mentor care-leavers aged 16 and over as part of a 'Stepping Stones' scheme.

To find out more about 'Fostering in Somerset' visit the website, or phone 0800 587 9900. Join 'Fostering in Somerset' on Facebook or follow us on twitter @fostersomerset

We also hold many information packed events across Somerset with advice from our friendly team and foster carers. Come along and find out more.

Fostering events will be held at 7pm at costa coffees across the following locations, call to book a place and get a free complimentary coffee:

2018

Tuesday 11 Sept, 7pm at Wells

Tuesday 16th October Yeovil

Tuesday 6th November Taunton

Tuesday 4th December Shepton Mallet

2019

Tuesday 15th January, Bridgwater

Ends

For further information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email [email protected]

Notes to Editors

To view all of our news releases, please visit http://www.somersetnewsroom.com

The SCC Communications Team are also on social media:

http://www.twitter.com/somersetcouncil

http://www.facebook.com/somersetcountycouncil

http://www.flickr.com/somersetcountycouncil

http://www.youtube.com/yoursomerset

To find out who the elected Somerset County Councillor is for a particular area, simply visit http://www.somerset.gov.uk/councillors-and-democracy/councillors/somerset-county-councillors/