Southampton City Council is backing New Family Social's LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week once again.

Data from England in 2023 indicates an urgent need for more adoption and foster parents.

One in five adoptions were to same-gender couples, and the data also showed that 29 per cent of the 83,840 looked-after children in England were from minoritised ethnic groups.

Tor Docherty, New Family social chief executive, said: "In an ideal world every looked-after child would find a placement with a family that shared their culture and heritage."

Foster carers with similar cultural experiences can help to support children that are affected.

Bryce Hunt, one of the top 12 Diversity Heroes identified by the British LGBT Awards 2024, said: "I'm a spirited 30-year-old proud gay man on a mission! Two 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 eight amazing children. Each day, I wake up fuelled by a renewed sense of purpose and passion to make a difference in 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 from every background and culture.

"It also sends a powerful message of inclusivity, equality, and acceptance - something I feel our city stands for and that I am proud of. We cannot underestimate the difference it can make to a child or young person in foster care being placed with an individual or family from a similar background or culture."

The council's fostering team is holding several information events throughout the week to March 12.

For further details, visit the Southampton City Council website.