Somerset residents of all ages are being encouraged to get creative for the chance to win £500 in vouchers for their short story.

To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight from 9th – 22nd May, Fostering In Somerset has teamed up with Somerset Libraries to run an exciting competition, encouraging people to visit their local library and have a go at creative writing, whilst raising awareness for fostering. 

Entry is open to children and adults with three overall winners, one for each age category – 10 years and under, 11 – 17 years, 18 years and over.  

Each winner will receive £250 in vouchers, given as £100 in National Book Tokens and a £150 Love2Shop voucher. They will also be able to nominate a school, college or not for profit group of their choice to receive an additional £250 of National Book Tokens as part of the prize.  

Stories can be up to 1,000 words in length and need to reflect one of the key messages of fostering campaign Theo's Story. You can watch the 40 second Theo's Story video online at www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk but the main themes include personal struggles, compassion, positive change and making a difference.  

The competition is also raising awareness for Somerset Libraries 'Reading Well' Collections, a selection of helpful books which cover a variety of topics around health and wellbeing, recommended by health experts. 

Alexandra Cunningham-Scott, Development Officer for Somerset Libraries said: "We want to encourage people of all ages to get involved, use their imaginations and get creative. Your local library is a really welcoming, safe space with regular events and opportunities to meet others, so be sure to have a look around and check what we have going on when you hand in your entry. We're thrilled to be partnering with Fostering in Somerset as part of this competition."  

Competition entries can be typed or handwritten and should be handed in to any of the 31 participating libraries, along with a completed entry form by library closing time on 31st May 2022. Full competition details including a list of participating libraries, competition terms and inspiration, can be found online HERE:

A great foster carer can help change a child's story. If you're interested in fostering, or would like to find out more, visit or call 0800 587 9900 and speak to the team.