CHILDREN in care across Somerset have shared their touching and insightful experiences into life in foster care as part of a new video.

The video, released by Somerset County Council, is to celebrate Somerset Fostering Week (January 23-29).

Five 11 to 21 year-olds from Somerset’s in Care and Leaving Care Councils recorded their touching, insightful and personal interviews.

Their thoughts have been stitched together and set to speedy footage of sketched cartoons depicting children and Foster Carers – necessary to protect their identities.

By sharing their video with the wider public, the young people hope to inspire viewers to consider becoming one of Somerset’s much-needed Foster Carers.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This video shoots straight to the heart with its honesty and insight.

"It is both refreshing and thought-provoking to hear these children articulate their experiences of being in Foster Care, from their fears when they first came into care, to settling into their new homes, and getting to know, and grow attached to, their Foster Carers.

“As we continue searching for more Somerset people to respond to our children’s need for enthusiastic individuals to foster, there can be little more powerful than hearing from the children themselves.”

The children’s views on ‘what makes a good foster carer?’ were used to develop Somerset County Council’s ‘Top Ten’ qualities people need to be fantastic carers.

These include:

1. Flexible

2. Patient

3. Kind

4. Consistent

5. Trustworthy

6. Honest

7. Good listener

8. Understanding

9. Available

10. Sense of humour

During Somerset Fostering Week the fostering team are holding a number of events across the county.

People can go along to an event to have an informal chat with friendly staff and speak to foster carers.

Wednesday, January 25, 7-9pm at Martock Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Church Street, Martock, TA12 6JL. This event will focus on fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking children and a foster carer with experience of this type of fostering will speak to the group. Professional staff will also be on hand to answer questions and have a chat. Please call 0800 587 9900 to book a place at the event.

Thursday, January 26, 11am-5pm at Angel Place Shopping Centre in Bridgwater. Drop by anytime to speak to friendly and professional staff.

Saturday, January 28, 10am-3pm at the Market in Wells. Drop by anytime to speak to friendly and professional staff.

If you want to find out more, phone 0800 587 9900.

Read about Fostering in Somerset schemes, case studies, upcoming information events and download an information pack by visiting fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk.

You can also ‘like’ the Fostering in Somerset Facebook page or follow @fostersomerset on Twitter.