Beginning on Monday 10 May, national Foster Care Fortnight is the perfect time to find out how you could make a life-changing difference to a child in need.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK's biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity The Fostering Network. The campaign has been running for almost 20 years, showcasing the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers and highlighting the need for more people to come forward.

The theme of this year's campaign is #WhyWeCare in recognition of the contribution of the whole of the fostering community during one of the most challenging years of our lifetime.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE said: "Being a foster carer can be a challenging role, but it's also hugely rewarding. Foster carers often speak of a sense of pride in seeing the child develop and flourish, and, in terms of practicalities, there is a fostering allowance as well as additional support and training for those who provide a home for a child in need.

"In Lincolnshire, there's a need for people to come forward especially to look after teenagers, siblings, children with additional needs and children who need long-term fostering. The council is also keen to hear from those who can offer respite care for at least two weekends a month, as well as during the school holidays.

"Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use. So if you think you could make a life-changing difference for these children, please do get in touch."

If you think you could foster a child and would like to know more, you can attend an online event at 6.30pm on Thursday 20 May. To find out more or register for a place, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering . You can also get in touch with the council's fostering team by calling 01522 554114.