THE LGBT community is being called upon to held make a difference as a foster care in Somerset. 

It is part of LGBT Fostering and Adoption Week.

Adopters and foster carers can be from all walks of life.

It doesn’t matter if they are single, in a civil partnership, married or unmarried.

They can be Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or heterosexual and from any ethnic or religious background.

All adopters and foster carers need is a spare room, the energy to cope and the want to care for a child.

Sarah and Rachel have been together for 12 years and are in a civil partnership.

They adopted a little boy James, now two and a half.

Rachel said “We talked about having children and Sarah was keen to have our own by using artificial insemination.

"However I just didn’t feel that it was right as it wouldn’t seem equal, the baby would always be more one of ours than the other. We talked about adoption but weren’t sure whether we as a same sex couple would be accepted.

“Within one month we were on a prep assessment course learning all about adoption.

"Three weeks later our home visits from our Social worker started. We went to Panel in June and although it was hard going it was definitely worth it.

“When we saw James’s profile we knew instantly that he was the one for us.

"It had a brief description and no photos but we fell in love with him. Some of our friends spent six years doing IVF and they have now adopted a little girl; they say that if they only knew then, what they know now, they would have adopted years ago.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “There are vulnerable children in Somerset who need your help.

"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.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk or come to an information event to find out more.”

The next information event takes place on Thursday, April 20 at Costa Coffee, Yeovil, BA20 1LE.

You can hear more about Adoption and Fostering and have a chance to speak to staff.

Everyone who attends will get a free Costa Coffee and a cake.

Reserve a place by calling 0800 587 9900.

Find out more about adoption and fostering in Somerset, read real experiences and explore all the County Council has to offer – visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk or phone 0800 587 9900.