RESIDENTS in Redditch and Bromsgrove are being asked if they could help foster carers have a break.

Five Rivers Child Care is calling on experienced carers in the area to offer their skills and time to provide respite to foster carers in the county.

There are currently 565 children in foster care in Worcestershire, many of whose carers could benefit from respite.

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.

They provide support to long term foster carers who might not otherwise have a break from their full-time role.

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.

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

Anyone who thinks they can help can call 0345 266 0272 or visit five-rivers.org.