People in Wells, Shepton Mallet and across the Mendip area are being encouraged to consider fostering as Somerset looks for more local carers.

People in Wells, Shepton Mallet and across the Mendip area are being encouraged to consider opening their homes to a child as Somerset seeks more foster carers.

Around 700 children are currently in care across Somerset, but there are not enough foster carers in every community to meet demand, according to Fostering in Somerset.

The service says recruiting more carers locally can help children remain closer to their schools, friends and communities rather than having to move further away to find a suitable home.

As part of the latest recruitment drive, an informal drop-in event will be held at Cordero Lounge in Frome on Wednesday, 14 October, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The "Cuppa with a Carer" session is aimed at people who may be seriously considering fostering as well as those who are simply curious about what is involved.

Visitors will be able to speak directly to foster carers and Fostering in Somerset staff about their experiences, the application process and the support available.

That includes training and weekly payments for foster carers, while there is no obligation for anyone attending the event to take their interest any further.

A free coffee and slice of cake will also be on offer — perhaps a slightly less daunting starting point than filling in an application form.

Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset Council's lead member for children, families and education, said: "Every child deserves a safe, stable and supportive home.

"We're looking for more foster carers right across Somerset, including in Frome and the surrounding area, to help ensure local children can remain connected to their communities wherever possible.

"Foster carers come from all walks of life, and the impact they make can be life changing.

"Our 'Cuppa with a Carer' events are a relaxed way to explore fostering. You can drop in for a chat, meet local foster carers and find out more about the support available, all with no obligation to take the next step."

The Frome session is particularly focused on finding more carers in and around that part of Somerset, but the wider appeal covers communities across the county.

For people in Wells, Shepton Mallet and the surrounding villages who have previously wondered whether fostering might be for them, Fostering in Somerset says the first step can simply be finding out more.

The Frome event takes place at Cordero Lounge from 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, 14 October. People can register their interest in the fostering event.

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