This Pride month, Knowsley Council and Foster4 are celebrating the invaluable contribution LGBTQ+ foster carers make to children and young people across the borough, while encouraging more people to consider whether fostering could be right for them.
In Knowsley, there is an ongoing need for more foster carers to help ensure children can remain close to their schools, friends and communities.
Across Knowsley, children of all ages need safe, stable and supportive homes. Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, bringing different experiences and perspectives that help children thrive.
Despite growing awareness, some people within the LGBTQ+ community still rule themselves out before making an enquiry, believing they do not fit the traditional image of a foster carer.
The reality is that there is no such thing as a “typical” foster carer.
What matters most is providing a caring, stable home where a child or young person feels valued and able to be themselves.
Councillor Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“Pride Month is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the diversity of our fostering community and the vital role LGBTQ+ foster carers play in providing safe, stable and loving homes for children and young people in Knowsley.
“Our foster carers play an invaluable role in children and young people’s lives. They come from different backgrounds and life experiences, but they help to ensure children are supported to reach their potential.
“We know there are still people who may not see themselves as a foster carer, but the reality is that fostering is about offering care, love, support, stability and encouragement to a child who needs it. There is no single model of what a foster carer or a foster family looks like.
“If you have ever considered fostering, I’d encourage you to take the first step and find out more. Have an information chat with the Foster4 team – it could be the start of something life-changing, for you and for a child in need.”
Find out more by calling Foster4Knowsley for an informal chat on 03456 460098, email enquiry@foster4.co.uk or visit https://www.foster4.co.uk/knowsley/