Joe, a short break foster carer, looks after a non-verbal boy with complex needs for two nights each month in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area. The boy, Sam, has stayed with him since he was five years old.

Joe saw a newspaper advertisement seeking short break foster carers and decided to apply. He has found the role deeply rewarding and says Sam has become a close friend. He believes others with a caring nature should consider offering the same support.

Sam’s mother, Emma Stockdale, said her family was approached a few years ago about the service. They were matched with Joe after a careful process. She described how Joe adapted his home to include a specialist bed and a sensory playroom for Sam.

The pair built up to overnight stays gradually, starting with short visits. Stockdale said Sam enjoys the individual attention and that Joe’s sense of humour resonated with him immediately. She described the monthly stays as a special holiday for Sam and expressed confidence in the quality of care he receives.

Stockdale added that the arrangement has exceeded her expectations and that she regrets not starting sooner. She noted how Joe, a busy grandfather of six, still makes time for Sam.

Marie-Louise Sloan, Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work at the South Eastern Trust, said short break foster carers and families work together to improve wellbeing, create stability and strengthen support networks. She said this is especially critical for children and young people with disabilities who often have fewer opportunities than their peers.

The trust continues to seek potential short break carers to offer similar placements.