'There is no typical foster carer - do not rule yourself out'

It began as a simple inquiry.

But more than 15 years later, fostering remains a central part of Dan's life.

Now he is the face of a Dorset Council campaign urging people to set aside their misconceptions about fostering, as the authority says it urgently needs more foster carers.

Dan, from Weymouth, said there is no such thing as a typical foster carer, and encouraged anyone with an interest to find out more.

"You probably already have some of the skills needed," he said.

"If you're thinking about fostering, pick up the phone, fill in an enquiry form or send an email. Having an initial conversation isn't a commitment."

Dan said he had not been sure whether he would be able to fit fostering around work and family commitments when he first considered it.

But that first inquiry led to years of supporting young people in a variety of ways, including short breaks, kinship care and looking after his nephew through a Staying Put arrangement, which allows young people to remain with their foster carers after they turn 18.

"One of the most important things I've learned is to get to know that young person as an individual," he said.

"To have somebody say, especially a young person who's been through a lot of experiences of different people supporting them, that they felt like I actually listened to them, that was really important for me."

He said he believed many people rule themselves out of fostering because they do not think they fit a particular image.

Dorset Council's campaign urges people to look beyond assumptions and reflect on the skills and qualities they already have.

It uses mirrors carrying the message "This is what a foster carer looks like", encouraging people to see themselves reflected in the role.

It also highlights the different ways people can foster, as well as the training, support and financial payments available.

Clare Sutton, Dorset Council's cabinet member for children, families and education, said Dan's story showed fostering could look different for every family.

"Many people have qualities that can make a real difference to a child or young person, including patience and the ability to listen and remain calm," she said.

"We urgently need more foster carers across Dorset and would encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to find out more."