Southampton City Council Fostering Service supports New Family Social’s LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week (3 – 7 March 2025)
#ChangeLivesIn25
Southampton City Council Fostering Service is proud to support New Family Social’s LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week 2025.
Themed ‘Change Lives in 25’ the week aims to raise awareness of fostering and adoption with LGBTQ+ people in the UK. Last year in England a staggering 83,630 children were in care. Throughout the week the Recruitment team has been out and about in the city to share the message of the positive impact that fostering can have for both carer and child or young person.
Adoption and fostering can have a profound and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people. The sense of purpose and achievement that foster carers feel cannot be underestimated.
Bryce Hunt, one of the Top 12 Diversity Heroes identified by the British LGBT Awards 2024 said:
“I'm a spirited proud gay man on a mission! Three years ago, I made a life-changing decision to open my heart and my home to foster children. Fast forward to today, and I've had the privilege of being a home to over 8 amazing children. Each day, I wake up fuelled by a renewed sense of purpose and passion to make a difference in their lives.”
Tor Docherty, Chief Executive of New Family Social, said:
"If you adopt or foster, you’ll change lives in 2025. Caring for a looked-after child transforms both your life and theirs. As LGBTQ+ people we know what it means to develop your identity and navigate sharing information about yourself with others. As a community we’re uniquely well-placed to help adopted children and those in foster care navigate the reality of their lives."
Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said:
"We fully support LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week. This campaign really highlights that there is a great need for foster carers. It also sends a powerful message of inclusivity, equality, and acceptance - something I feel our city stands for and that I am proud of.”
If you have a question or would like to know more, visit our fostering pages for details.
