Can you give the biggest gift of all this Christmas?

Christmas can be an exceptionally difficult time for vulnerable children in Dorset – but it’s also a time when we all think about how we could make a difference.

Dorset County Council is asking: could you give a child a home? People are needed from all walks of life to sign up to be foster carers, to meet a desperate need in the county.

There is no typical foster carer. All you need is a spare room and to be able to offer a safe and loving home, and have patience and a sense of humour. Click here to find out more about what sort of qualities you’d need.

Fostering can work around your own lifestyle. You could be a full time carer, but there are other options such as offering respite care at weekends; semi-independent care to young people in work, education or training; or providing a safe home in emergencies.

Cllr Steve Butler, cabinet member for safeguarding said: “The support of foster carers can significantly improve the situation and life chances for children.

“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for our vulnerable children, so if you’ve ever thought about fostering, perhaps now is the time to make that call and help a child make happy childhood memories.”

If you think you could you make Christmas – and all year round – happier for a child in care, get in touch by email fosteringenquiries@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone 01305 225568 or visit the foster in Dorset website