LGBTQ+ community in Gateshead encouraged to find out more about fostering
Our Fostering Service is celebrating Pride Month by asking LGBTQ+ people interested in fostering to take the first step and find out more about becoming foster carers.
Many people within the North East region's LGBTQ+ community still believe it will be difficult to become a foster carer, but that is not the case with Gateshead.
The Council's Fostering team believe that different backgrounds and life experiences are essential for Gateshead's fostering community to thrive.
Foster carers Lesley and Bernadette, who have been fostering for over a year with Gateshead, said: "Being part of the LGBTQ+ community means that you already understand the sense of feeling different, which is how these children and young people feel about being in foster care.
"You already have an understanding and just because you are in a same sex relationship does not make any difference to showing love, empathy and understanding. These children need to be given a chance in life and it is up to everyone to help."
While celebrating Pride Month, it's important to acknowledge the role of the LGBTQ+ community in fostering.
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Early Help at Gateshead Council, said: "There's no such thing as a typical foster carer, and we're proud to have such a welcoming Fostering community here in Gateshead.
"It doesn't matter about your sexual orientation, race, religion or relationship status - if you're passionate about supporting children and young people to have the best chance in life, we would like to hear from you."
Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "One of the biggest challenges with recruiting new carers is that there are still so many misconceptions around who can foster.
"By sharing their story, Lesley and Bernadette have made their lives as foster carers visible to our wider communities and by doing so, have raised awareness of our support for anyone who is LGBTQ+ and interested in fostering.
"For our looked after children and young people to thrive, we need a diverse range of loving homes and would encourage anyone who has thought about fostering to come forward to find out more."
To find out more about Fostering with Gateshead and to book onto a virtual information event, visit our fostering webpages or call the team directly on 0191 433 8333 between 8.30am and 5pm (Monday - Thursday) and 8.30am and 4.30pm (Friday).
Our Fostering Service is celebrating Pride Month by asking LGBTQ+ people interested in fostering to take the first step and find out more about becoming foster carers.
Many people within the North East region's LGBTQ+ community still believe it will be difficult to become a foster carer, but that is not the case with Gateshead.
The Council's Fostering team believe that different backgrounds and life experiences are essential for Gateshead's fostering community to thrive.
Foster carers Lesley and Bernadette, who have been fostering for over a year with Gateshead, said: "Being part of the LGBTQ+ community means that you already understand the sense of feeling different, which is how these children and young people feel about being in foster care.
"You already have an understanding and just because you are in a same sex relationship does not make any difference to showing love, empathy and understanding. These children need to be given a chance in life and it is up to everyone to help."
While celebrating Pride Month, it's important to acknowledge the role of the LGBTQ+ community in fostering.
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Early Help at Gateshead Council, said: "There's no such thing as a typical foster carer, and we're proud to have such a welcoming Fostering community here in Gateshead.
"It doesn't matter about your sexual orientation, race, religion or relationship status - if you're passionate about supporting children and young people to have the best chance in life, we would like to hear from you."
Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "One of the biggest challenges with recruiting new carers is that there are still so many misconceptions around who can foster.
"By sharing their story, Lesley and Bernadette have made their lives as foster carers visible to our wider communities and by doing so, have raised awareness of our support for anyone who is LGBTQ+ and interested in fostering.
"For our looked after children and young people to thrive, we need a diverse range of loving homes and would encourage anyone who has thought about fostering to come forward to find out more."
To find out more about Fostering with Gateshead and to book onto a virtual information event, visit our fostering webpages or call the team directly on 0191 433 8333 between 8.30am and 5pm (Monday - Thursday) and 8.30am and 4.30pm (Friday).
