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Making a difference to a family's life

In 2007 Debby Esen made a decision she has not regretted. Even though she was working as a medical receptionist in Swansea and had a daughter, now aged four, she opted to take on an extra family responsibility.

Debby became a support break carer. For her it meant looking after two sisters one weekend a month and it has been a case of winners all round.

Now, in the aftermath of Foster Care Fortnight, she hopes others will follow her lead.

"For the past 12 months, I have been providing support care by offering one weekend per month, while also working full time," she said. "I have found the experience to be very rewarding and extremely enjoyable."

Debby's leaning in that direction was apparent when she became a registered childminder. In the end, her doctor's surgery post won out and she did not take up the option. But the idea resurfaced.

"A very close friend of mine became a foster parent," said Debby, from Llansamlet. "I had close contact with her and the family and it made me feel like doing something."

Her inquiries led her to Support Breaks Swansea, one of the specialist support services within social services' family support team.

Its role is to provide short, planned breaks to children and youngsters who live at home, where stress within the family could result in a breakdown.

After receiving training, Debby agreed to look after two sisters, now aged six and seven.

"Once a month I pick them up after work on a Friday and drop them home on Sunday," she said. "They get on really well with my daughter. There is always a bit of concern but they try to match people up. I particularly wanted girls, as my house is geared towards them.

"We do all types of activities. In the summer it is great to go to parks and have a picnic. In the winter we do more indoor things. I know I am helping their mum, and it is nice that you can see they look forward to coming to us."

And it is something she would definitely recommend.

"I think everyone has a little spare time on their hands," said Debby. "I get a lot of satisfaction out of it, and you are not really out on your own. I have no regrets. I am happy to do it."

Support Breaks Swansea operates under the banner of "Working with children and families to keep them together" and can be useful for a number of reasons.

Sometimes there are problems between a child and their family and all they need is a bit of help and time apart to sort things out. Or, a parent may be struggling to manage the day-to-day running of the family home and caring for their children without any back-up.

Social worker Lisa Edwards said: "Support Breaks Swansea provides an essential resource for families in need of either regular or occasional respite, a much needed ingredient in ensuring that children and young people are supported to remain within their family."

Any youngsters referred to the scheme are linked to trained and approved part-time support carers. The family will then be provided with agreed and regular periods of care, during which time the child's social worker and other family support teams can play their part.

Support could be one weekend a month or one evening a week and depends on the individual needs of each family referred. It normally last three to nine months and is regularly reviewed by a social worker.

Support Breaks Swansea has a group of dedicated and approved carers on its books at the moment, offering invaluable support to families.

"The care provided is vital and contributes to the aim of Support Breaks by helping keep families together and making a big difference to both the child and families lives," said Lisa.

"The carers in turn are supported by their own social worker who offers support, guidance and regular training opportunities. Financial allowances will also be paid."

Foster Fortnight, co-ordinated by the Fostering Network charity, runs every year and in 2008 officials have chosen it to launch their latest recruitment drive.

"This year the campaign is Fostering: Recognise the qualities you've got'," said Supports Break carer Denise Hughes. "We hope the campaign will encourage people to realise that they may already share the same qualities as those who are already provide support care.

"I would say to anyone who likes children and could offer some of their free time to support to a child and their family to get in touch with Short Break Swansea."

Further information on support care in Wales

For more information on the support care project in Wales, contact project worker Philippa Williams on 029 2044 0940 or by email at philippa.williams@fostering.net.