Pride in fostering: New campaign hopes to see more people from LGBTQ+ community come forward and foster

Greater Manchester’s fostering campaign, Fostering Unfiltered, which brings together all ten local councils, took part in the Manchester Pride Parade on Saturday 26 August 2023 to encourage more people from the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering.

Stuart, a foster carer with Rochdale Borough Council, is a singer and drag artist. He was inspired to become a foster carer by a friend, who wrote a book about their time in care. “I read her book three years ago and I was so moved by her experience. I decided then that I would look into foster care when I felt I was ready.

“I have been working in clubs for years and dealing with live audiences, so I’m not easily shocked. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life. I’ve been there and done it. I think I am laid back and I know that young people need their own space and the freedom to make their own choices.”

Stuart says that he felt strongly supported by Rochdale Council throughout the application process.

He said: “I always felt comfortable during the process, I never felt that I was being judged because of my sexuality or my work. What was important was making sure that I was able to provide a safe and loving home and that I had the right support in place.” 

He was approved to foster just over a year ago and is looking after a 16-year-old boy through supported lodgings. 

Michael and his husband Liam have been fostering with Rochdale Council for three years. They are looking after a brother and sister in long-term foster care and have recently welcomed two more children.

Michael said: “Liam and I have always wanted children. We did consider adoption but we felt we could make a real difference as foster carers. We love being a part of the children’s lives and watching them grow and fulfil their potential. Our home is full of life, there’s always loads going on.”

They both felt it was important to foster for the local authority, rather than an agency, to help local children maintain links with their families and other important people in their lives.

Michael said: “Two of our children lived with their Nana for seven years and she’s a big part of their lives. She lives locally so it is easy for them to get to see her. They also go to school and have friends here.”

Michael is a member of Rochdale Council’s Mockingbird Hub for foster carers and their families. The scheme provides a fostering community for carers and their children. Speaking about his Mockingbird carer role, he said: “It gives us a group of friends who understand what fostering is about. We support each other and our children, a bit like big extended families, with activities and sleepovers and so on.

“If I had any anxiety it was about how children asked to live with us might feel. When our children arrived, we encouraged them to be open and honest with their feelings about us. One of our foster children has simply said: ‘As long as you love each other, I don’t care’.” 

Councillor Mark Hunter, portfolio lead for Children and Young People at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and leader of Stockport Council, said: "It is really important that people know how inclusive and welcoming fostering is. What matters for children in care is that they are welcomed into loving and stable homes where they can thrive. I’m delighted to see our LGBTQ+ foster community grow and we want to keep growing.

“Carers like Stuart, Liam and Michael are just some of the inspirational carers for council’s across Greater Manchester and I hope they inspire more people to come forward into the rewarding role of fostering.”

For more information on fostering with your local council in Greater Manchester visit fostering-unfiltered.org.uk