COULD you offer respite care to some of Bolton’s 415 foster children?

Five Rivers Child Care is appealing for experienced caregivers to offer up their skills and time to provide temporary cover for the town’s foster carers.

Five Rivers Child Care spokesman, Martin Leitch, said: “Respite carers take in a foster child for a limited time period, this might be because of a family emergency or pre-planned holiday or other work commitments. Respite carers provide vital support to long term foster carers who might not otherwise have a break from their full-time role as a foster carer.

“In some instances, a respite carer might look after a child for an overnight stay, a weekend, or even just after school if the foster carer is unable to get home in time.”

People aged above 21 can become respite carers, including single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation. The only requirement is a spare room for each foster child.

Mr Leitch, said: “Respite carers are an integral part of the fostering industry and ensure full-time foster carers can retain flexibility in their personal lives.

"Like everyone else, foster carers often find January a busy time so it can be a time when we require more respite carers than usual.

“The roles offer regular training with industry experts and the opportunity to work alongside social workers and other healthcare professionals.”

For more information about respite fostering contact Five Rivers Child Care on 0345 266 0272.