ADOPTERS in Essex are taking part in a live Twitter Q&A session this evening in a bid to encourage others to follow their lead.

Using the hashtag #SupportAdoption, adopters and social workers will be answering questions from 7.30pm until 8.30pm to give an insight into how the process works.

Essex County Council helps find families for dozens of children every year and is currently looking for a loving home for more than 20 young children.

Many of the children are aged between four and eight years old, or are brothers and sisters that need to stay together.

National Adoption Week, which takes place from October 17 to October 23, is an ideal time to consider whether you could adopt.

Despite National Adoption Week and other awareness campaigns, there are still a number of myths and misconceptions about adoption.

To help combat the issue, Essex County Council is holding a special National Adoption Week live Twitter Q&A today.

Adopters Emma, Bridget and Heather, as well as Essex County Council social workers, will be available to respond to questions between 7.30pm and 8.30pm that evening.

To take part, tweet your questions to the council using its Twitter handle @Essex_CC or email them in advance to channels@essex.gov.uk using ‘Twitter adoption Q&A’ in the subject line.

Alternatively, visit essex.gov.uk/adoption or call 0800 801 530.

There will also be adoption information events held in Chelmsford on Thursday, October 27, and Thursday, November 10.