Foster for East Midlands Councils is proud to support LGBTQ+ History Month 2026. The national celebration is an opportunity to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider fostering and make a life-changing difference for local children.
Every February, LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates diversity, visibility and inclusion, recognising the contributions LGBTQ+ people have made to society while highlighting the importance of equality and representation. These values sit at the heart of fostering, where children and young people benefit most when they feel accepted, supported and safe to be themselves.
Across the East Midlands, there is an ongoing need for more foster carers to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. Foster for East Midlands Councils welcomes applications from people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from individuals and families of all shapes and sizes.
Katie Jones, Team Manager for Foster for East Midlands Councils, said:
This LGBTQ+ History Month I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our foster carers and their families who are part of the LGBTQ+ community for the warmth, understanding and stability they offer to the children they care for. Your commitment to our children from all backgrounds and identities, makes a true difference. LGBTQ+ History Month is a powerful reminder that families come in many forms, and we celebrate you all.
Many people are surprised to learn that they are eligible to foster. You can foster if you are aged 21 or over, have space in your home for a child and can offer a stable environment. Whether you are single, in a couple, LGBTQ+, working or not currently employed, you may be able to foster with the right support.
Foster for East Midlands Councils (FFEMC) is a regional fostering recruitment hub representing Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Councils. Working collaboratively, the councils recruit and support foster carers across the region, helping children in care remain close to their communities. FFEMC provides one-to-one support throughout the fostering journey, from initial enquiry and training through to approval and ongoing care, offering comprehensive guidance, training and a strong local support network for foster carers.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:
Across the East Midlands, we are proud to support LGBTQ+ History Month and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We know that children and young people benefit most when they feel respected, understood and free to be themselves. That’s why we welcome people from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families, to consider fostering and provide safe, loving homes for local children.
This LGBTQ+ History Month, Foster for East Midlands Councils is calling on anyone who has ever considered fostering, or who simply wants to learn more to step forward and find out how they can make a lasting difference.
Find out more at our information events online and in-person, visit the website for more information.
Anyone interested in fostering can contact Foster for East Midlands Councils on 03033 132 950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or visit Foster for East Midlands Councils web page.