This Pride Month, Foster for East Midlands Councils is celebrating the invaluable contribution LGBTQ+ foster carers make to children and young people across the region, while encouraging more people to consider whether fostering could be right for them.

Across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, there is an ongoing need for more foster carers to help ensure children can remain close to their schools, friends and communities. Since launching in March 2024, Foster for East Midlands Councils has received more than 600 enquiries from people interested in fostering, but more carers are still needed to meet growing demand.

Across the East Midlands, 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 Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, 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 across the East Midlands.

We are incredibly grateful to all our foster carers, who come from many different backgrounds and life experiences, and who together help 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, stability and encouragement to a child who needs it. There is no single model of what a foster family looks like.

If you have ever considered fostering, we would encourage you not to rule yourself out. Taking the first step and having a conversation with us could be the start of something life-changing, for you and for a child in need.

The Foster for East Midlands Councils recruitment team will also be attending a number of Pride events across the region throughout the summer, where members of the public are welcome to visit the stand and speak to the team informally about fostering.

The events include:

Chesterfield Pride
Saturday 13 June, 1pm to 5pm, Stand Road Park, Chesterfield, S41 7JB
(Entry fees apply)

Pride in the Peaks
Saturday 27 June, 12pm to 5pm, Hall Leys Park, Matlock, DE4 3SX

Notts Pride
Saturday 25 July, 12pm to 4pm, Sneinton Market, Gedling Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DS

Derby Pride
Saturday 12 September, 12pm to 5pm, Markeaton Park, Derby
(Entry fees apply)

People interested in becoming a foster carer can find more information by emailing hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, calling 03033 132 950, or visiting the Foster for East Midlands Councils website.