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On our doorstep in Essex, over 1000 children are in care at any given time. Essex County Council's foster carers support the most vulnerable children in our community.
Laura shares her story of becoming a short breaks foster carer, while working as a nurse too
"I love working with children, especially who have additional needs. Monday to Friday, I'm a specialist nurse at my local hospital," says Laura. "But I always wanted to become a foster carer, to make a real impact. I can work with children who have additional needs on a one-to-one basis.
I went on a church mission trip to an orphanage in Kenya, and I realised it was time to turn this desire into a reality."
"At first I thought fostering was full time, 24/7," explains Laura
"But then I heard about short break fostering. I can share my passion to support children with disabilities while keeping my day job, it was perfect for me."
What is short breaks fostering?
Essex County Council offer different types of fostering. You can be a foster carer from one weekend a month, so Laura can balance working with becoming a foster carer.
Short breaks fostering changes children’s lives, while supporting their families too. Short breaks offer the children’s (0 to 18 years old) primary caregivers a break from their daily routine.
"I spend one weekend a month as a short breaks foster carer for Lizzie. Her parents can relax, spend time with their other child who also has a disability."
Lizzie's birth mum, also called Laura, shares how short breaks has changed her family life
“The help and support that our foster carer Laura gives to Lizzie and my family is amazing. With two disabled children, family life would be incredibly hard without her support.
“Lizzie gets to enjoy safe and quiet time away from her brother who can be violent towards her at times. She gets to experience things like soft play, parks and swimming which can be difficult to do at home. Laura has even created a sensory room for her which she loves!
“Laura is the perfect foster carer. I wish there were more people like Laura to come forward, to help families who need extra support."
Working flexibly as a foster carer and nurse has helped Laura
Lara says; "The great thing about my job is I work 9am to 5pm on weekdays, with the option to use my weekend to make a real difference. This has been perfect for me, as someone starting as a foster carer.
I work with Lizzie's family to plan weekends, so we both know when Lizzie and I will be spending together. I have enjoyed getting to know Lizzie and what makes her happy. Nothing beats seeing Lizzie smile and getting excited about different activities we do."
Finally, what would Laura say to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer?
"The training provided by Essex County Council has been invaluable. The process can be intense, but it's detailed and prepares you for different scenarios. Becoming a foster carer is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I'm making a real difference to a young person's life and it's so rewarding."