A generous Easter donation of 120 chocolate eggs will be given to young people in the County’s care.

A C Mole, an independent accountancy firm based in Somerset, has marked their 120th year in business by donating 120 Easter eggs to the County’s most vulnerable children of all ages. 

The children live with Somerset Council’s foster carers and in homes for children, including the first young people welcomed into two newly opened Homes & Horizons’ homes.

With over 550 young people in care living in Somerset, the donation highlights the need for more foster carers locally, and provides an Easter treat for those in or awaiting foster care.

The donation was made as part of a year-long celebration by A C Mole during which they pledge to different local causes.

Amanda Gunter, Partner at A C Mole said:

“To celebrate our 120th year of A C Mole, we decided the best way to celebrate was to give back to the community, with a new pledge for each of the 12 months following the theme of ‘120’. So far, we have celebrated by paying the green grocer’s bill for Taunton Foodbank for the next 12 months, donated much needed items to Taunton Opendoor, sung Christmas carols in a care home for one of our clients, donated money to a local ‘Warm Spaces and Community Feast’ initiative, bought and planted shrubs and trees alongside Somerset Wildlife Trust and donated books to 3 local primary schools. 

“In keeping with the time of year, for April’s pledge we wanted to donate 120 Easter Eggs to children in foster care as we know that even a small gesture such as this, will bring happiness and smiles to the faces of those receiving them. We’re extremely proud to be able to support and raise awareness of Fostering in Somerset and look forward to supporting further local and important causes in the remaining 5 months of our 120th year.”

Councillor Tessa Munt, the Lead Member for Children and Families at Somerset Council, said:

“Many of us will spend time with family over Easter, perhaps enjoying egg hunts and other activities together, but for over 550 Somerset children in care, Easter won’t be celebrated at home with their birth families.

“It’s so kind of A C Mole to give back to those who may be less fortunate; raising awareness for fostering and supporting vulnerable Somerset children with their generous donation of Easter eggs. Thank you for letting these young people know someone is thinking of them at this time of year.’’

There is an urgent need for more foster carers in Somerset. Foster carers provide a nurturing family environment for vulnerable children and help them to develop and grow. You need to be aged 21 or over, with a spare room in your home, and full training and support will be provided, including a weekly fee and allowance payments. For more information on fostering, please visit fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or call 0800 587 9900.

If you’re inspired to support children and young people in care, but cannot commit to becoming a foster carer, there are other ways to help.

Route 1 Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service offer volunteering opportunities working with children in the care of Somerset County Council. As an Advocate, you ensure the authentic voice of a young person is heard in meetings about them.  Independent Visitors befriend and spend time with a child in care outside their foster home. You can find more information about these roles on Somerset Council’s Route 1 advocacy webpage.

For more information about career opportunities within Homes & Horizons, please visit Shaw Trust’s Homes and Horizons webpage.