Laura Blog

“I’m making a real difference to a young person’s life and it is so rewarding.”

I have always loved working with children, especially those with additional needs. Monday to Friday I am a specialist nurse at my local hospital but I always had a desire to foster so that I could make a real impact for children with additional needs on a one-to-one basis.

It wasn’t until I went on a mission trip to an orphanage in Kenya with my local church that I realised it was time to turn this desire into a reality.

At first I thought fostering was full time 24/7 but then I heard about short break fostering, and how I can share my passion to support children with disabilities while maintaining my day job. It was perfect for me.

I now spend one weekend a month as a short break foster carer for Lizzie, so that her parents can spend time relaxing and recuperating, enjoying some time to themselves, as well as focussing on their other child who also has a disability.

The great thing about my job is that I work 9am to 5pm on weekdays, so it gives me the option to use my weekend to make a real difference to Lizzie and her family.

Working in this way has been perfect for me as someone just starting out as a foster carer, allowing me the option to pursue my passion whilst also giving me the flexibility to work it around my full-time job and still have time for myself.

I work with the family to plan out weekends in advance so that we both know which weekends Lizzie and I will be spending together, allowing us to plan our time.

We have spent many weekends together already and I have really enjoyed getting to know Lizzie and what makes her happy. Whether it’s going to soft play in Basildon or watching Disney films together, nothing beats seeing Lizzie smile and getting excited about different activities we do.

The training provided by Essex County Council has been invaluable. The process is quite intense, but it is very detailed and covers a range of different topics to prepare you for many different scenarios.

It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made – I’m making a real difference to a young person’s life and it is so rewarding.

Birth mum Laura says: “The help and support that our foster carer Laura gives to Lizzie and my family is amazing. I have two disabled children and family life would be incredibly hard without her support.

“Liz 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 mum and I wish there were more people like her that would come forward to help families like Liz and myself to have that extra support. Families that so desperately need that break especially if they have other children to care for.”

To find out more attend one of the online information event where you can speak with foster carers like Laura and ask any questions you may have.