Share the Care

We’re so pleased you’ve taken the time to find out more about Share the Care, our short break fostering service in South Gloucestershire.

Short Break Fostering offers children with disabilities the chance to enjoy new experiences and build relationships outside of their family home—while giving parents and siblings valuable time to rest and recharge.

Short break carers provide regular, planned care from an overnight stay to a few days at a time. It’s a flexible, paid role that fits around your life and uses the skills you already have to make a real difference.

• “It’s a very positive experience for everyone involved. Families, carers, and children all say they get so much out of it.” – Jackie, Social Worker
• “Share the care has been brilliant for us. A short break to reset and recharge.” – Colin, Parent
• “These families face immense challenges, and giving them a break—just a weekend to breathe—means the world.” – Chris, Foster Carer

Why Share the Care?

• Support a child with complex needs to thrive
• Offer families a trusted break from their caring role
• Build lasting, meaningful relationships
• Fit fostering around your current job or commitments

This opportunity is ideal for people with experience in education, health, care, or community roles—but most importantly, it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Please accept statistics, marketing cookies to watch this video.

Support for Short Break Carers

In return for being part of our team of short break carers, we offer a full package of training and support.

• Dedicated Supervising Social Worker: Ongoing advice and support before, during, and after placements.
• Child’s Social Worker: Helps you understand and respond to the child’s needs and behaviour.
• Training Programme: Includes Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Autism Awareness, ADHD, mental health, and bespoke medical training.
• Support Groups: Regular sessions, social events, and groups for carers and children who foster.
• Peer Support (Buddying Scheme): Guidance from experienced carers during your first year.

What Next?

All children are different and to meet their needs we are looking for a wide variety of people. We welcome applicants with experience of caring for disabled children and those with challenging behaviour, although this is not essential as we offer ongoing training.

All we ask is that you have an understanding of children’s needs and a willingness to learn new things and embrace new challenges.

We’d love to tell you more. You can:

• Join one of our friendly information sessions
• Speak to someone on our fostering team
• Read real stories from carers and families
• Read our information guide

You already care—now you can Share the Care.

Meet our carers