Audrey is a part-time carer for disabled children and has been fostering for several years. Often known as ‘respite care’, part-time fostering is a lifeline of support for families with severely disabled children. To Audrey, the motivation is clear, ‘I was brought up with a disabled niece and I’ve always understood the importance of help and support for the children and their families.’

‘It takes a lot of patience and understanding and you have to learn about different problems that the children may have. You also have to help them with dressing, learning, and coping with special equipment. But there is always help and a network of support from social workers and other carers.’

At first a lot of people don’t think how their families will react, as they also have to relate to the children you foster. ‘I must say that it’s very important to have the support of your family – including your extended family because we don’t let having foster children inhibit us, we take them everywhere. We’re lucky that everyone is right behind us and they really get a lot of enjoyment out of getting to know the different children we take care of.’