12/11/2026
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I qualified as a Children’s Nurse in 1996, although my career took a slightly different path from the one, I had originally anticipated. While awaiting my nursing registration, I began working in one of the Trust’s Children’s Residential Homes. I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed the role and decided to pursue a career in Social Work, taking the opportunity to complete my Social Work training. I went on to spend 16 years working in Children’s residential services, followed by a further 14 years in a residential Short Break facility for children with disabilities.
Both roles gave me invaluable experience and the opportunity to support children and their families. When the opportunity arose to join the community Short Breaks team for Children with disabilities, I initially thought I would remain in residential services, however the chance to be part of a new team from the vey beginning was too exciting to pass up. It was a wonderful opportunity to embrace a new challenge, build on my experience and contribute to building a service that makes a real difference to children and their families.
Can you tell us a little bit, about what you do in your day-to-day job?
My role is varied and involves recruiting, assessing and supervising short Break carers. I work closely with a range of organisations to raise awareness of our service and the important role short break carers play in supporting children with disabilities and their families. This includes organising information events to encourage people to learn more about the service and consider becoming carers. When someone expresses an interest, I carry out a detailed and thorough assessment to ensure they have the skills, understanding and commitment needed for the role. I am also responsible for matching children with carers, taking into consideration each child’s individual needs and circumstances to help ensure a positive and successful for everyone involved. Once a match has been agreed, I over see the induction process and continue to provide guidance and supervision to carers.
I also support carers as they begin to provide overnight short breaks, helping them feel confident in their role and ensuring they have the support they need. Ultimately, my role is about building positive relationships, supporting our carers and helping to ensure that children with disabilities and their families receive a safe, supportive and valuable short break experience.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
One of the biggest challenges is communicating to the public the range of fostering options available, including short breaks for children with disabilities. We encourage people to giving up some of their spare time to provide a child with a new experience and give families the support they need.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is building positive relationships, supporting Short Break Carers and ensuring children with disabilities and their families receive the care, understanding and support they need. I also enjoy guiding carers through the process and providing ongoing advice and supervision as they offer overnight short breaks.
Can you recall your happiest moment or moments to date in your job?
Although I have only been in this post from April 2026, my happiest moment so far was when the first carer we recruited and assessed was approved by the Foster Panel. It was a really positive milestone and made me feel proud to have supported them through the process.
What would you say to someone who was considering following in your footsteps?
I would encourage them to consider the difference they could make in a child’s life. The role of a Social Worker in the Short Break service is an incredibly rewarding experience, you are offering children opportunities to try new things while giving their family a valuable break from their caring role knowing their child is happy and safe.
Can you tell us one thing about yourself that people might not know? (e.g. outside interest, hobby, family, sport, likes, dislikes)
I make a mouthwatering banana bread!
If you had one wish in life, what would it be?
My wish would be for every family who needs short breaks to have access to the right support, whether through residential services or community-based provision. Short breaks can make such a difference to children with disabilities and their families.
Can you remember your first day?
I still remember finishing my first shift in a Children’s Home and wondering whether I had made the right carer choice. I was only 22 years old and had the responsibility of supporting young people up to the age of 17. At the time, I questioned whether I had enough life experience to guide and support them effectively. Looking back, that experience was an important starting point in my career. It taught me you don’t need to have all the answers from day one; you need to be willing to learn, listen, develop and build positive relationships. Over time, my confidence and experience grew and helped shape the approach I take to supporting children, young people and families today.
Could You Make A Difference To A Child’s Life?
Short Break Carers Wanted across the Western Trust area
We are looking for kind, caring and reliable people to provide short breaks for children and young people with disabilities.
Short Breaks give children the opportunity to have new experiences, build confidence, develop independence and have fun – while giving their families some valuable time to recharge.
You don’t need to be a superhero. You just need to be patient, understanding, flexible, willing to make a difference and have a spare room.
As a short break carer, you could:
- Enjoy fun activities with a child
- Help them try new experiences
- Support their confidence and independence
- Build a positive relationship with a child and their family.
Short breaks can be anything form one or two nights a month overnight stay, depending on the child’s needs and circumstances.
Full training, guidance and ongoing support will be provided. You don’t have to have previous experience of fostering or caring for a child with a disability – what matters most is your commitment to providing a safe, caring and enjoyable experience.
Children and families are waiting for the right people to come forward. If you think you could make a difference and offer a child a safe and warming environment, please contact us today.
If you would like further information you can speak to a member of the Team on M: 07876208054.