Bridgwater Police came to lend a hand at a fostering ‘Getting to Know You’ day, for 'looked after' children and their Foster Carers.

Community Support Officers treated everyone to a play session in the police car, let the children dress-up with real police helmets and even try out the siren.

The event, hosted at Spaxton Village Hall, was a great success. The children were treated to a fantastic range of games and activities from bouncy castles and craft tables to a silent disco and puppet shows.

It was an opportunity for foster carers and children to spend time with each other, role models in their community and the fostering team. This helps to boost their confidence and encourages bonding and trust.

Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council, said: "A big thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this event and to the staff and partners who donated equipment. In particular, Taunton Library who shared an enormous amount of Lego from their Lego club and the young people from the Somerset Leaving Care Council (SLCC) who helped get it all back in the right boxes! These events are great fun for everyone, but they also give foster carers and foster children the opportunity to meet others in similar situations and feel supported."

Our non-profit service 'Fostering in Somerset' is urgently looking for people with space in their lives to foster a vulnerable child or teenager. 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, visit our website www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or phone 0800 587 9900. Even if you're not in a position to foster you can still support the campaign. Join 'Fostering in Somerset' on Facebook or follow us on twitter @fostersomerset and share our real stories, blogs and videos.

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 at 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