Rebecca and Mark have been respite foster carers for over three years, offering a home to children with complex needs. With backgrounds in paediatric nursing and NHS work, they bring both professional expertise and deep empathy to their fostering journey.
Their role as overnight stay carers means they provide short-term care to children who are already placed with long-term foster families. This gives those families a chance to rest, recharge, and manage other responsibilities, while ensuring the child continues to receive consistent, loving care.
One of the children they support now feels completely at ease in their home. She arrives excited, runs to greet them, and enjoys spending time with their extended family. This wasn’t always the case; early visits were marked by anxiety and difficulty with transitions. But through patience, consistency, and trust-building, Rebecca and Mark have created a space where she feels safe and happy.
“She’s part of our family now. She gets on so well with our granddaughter and daughter, it’s truly home from home.” – Rebecca
Their support has also helped the child’s long-term foster carers feel more confident and sustained in their role. The child flourished, and her full-time carers were able to recharge and refocus, knowing she was in safe, loving hands, strengthening their ability to continue providing consistent care.
Overnight stay fostering isn’t just about giving carers a break; it’s about strengthening the whole care network. It allows children to build trusting relationships beyond their primary placement, and it helps carers maintain their wellbeing, which is essential for long-term stability.
“We’ve learned to slow down, or speed up, depending on what she needs. It’s a privilege to be part of her journey.”
Rebecca and Mark’s story shows how respite fostering can be a vital part of a child’s support system, helping them feel secure and loved in multiple homes, and ultimately supporting their path toward going home or long-term stability.