AS part of LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2023, which returns this month, Cumbria County Council’s fostering service is holding a series of events.

Running from March 6-11, there will be a number of face to face and online events.

‘1, 2, 3, or more?’ is the theme of LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2023, which is being organised by New Family Social, and asks LGBTQ+ people to consider adopting or fostering single children or those in sibling groups.

The council’s fostering service already supports around 275 fostering households but with close to 725 children in care across Cumbria, there are still many children in care whose lives could be transformed by an LGBTQ+ foster carer. While there is a need for foster carers for children of all ages, there is a particular need for carers who can offer long term homes to sibling groups and older children.

To become a foster carer you must be over 21 and have a least one spare bedroom in your home, as well as the time and commitment to make a difference in a child’s life.

On March 7 will be a virtual Zoom event from 7pm-8pm, on March 9 there will be a drop-in event at Costa Coffee in the Elephant Yard, Kendal, from 12pm-1pm, and on March 10 there will be an information drop-in at the Community Room, Barrow Fire Station, from 12pm-1pm.

To find out more about fostering head along to an event, call 0303 333 1216 or visit cumbria.gov.uk/fostering