When Laura and her husband first started thinking about fostering, they wanted to make a difference to the lives of children and young people, but weren't sure if they could commit to fostering full-time.
That's when they learned about respite fostering.
Approved as foster carers in 2019, Laura and her husband began by providing short-term respite care for children and young people during weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. At the time, both worked full-time, but Laura's role in a school meant respite fostering fitted around family life.
Now a full-time foster carer, Laura says respite care was the perfect way to start their fostering journey.
"One of the things that really caught my attention was that respite care didn't require a full-time commitment. It was short stays rather than long stays and often you would care for the same children, which meant relationships could be built over time."
Respite foster carers provide temporary care for children and young people, giving their regular foster families support during holidays, family events, planned breaks or other commitments.
For Laura, those stays quickly became much more than simply providing childcare.
"We made sure we had things planned and went out together, so it felt a bit like a holiday for the children. It wasn't seen as a bad thing at all. It could be really positive for both the child and the foster carer."
One aspect of respite fostering Laura particularly valued was the opportunity for children to meet her family before staying.
Through Thurrock's fostering community, support groups and events, relationships could be built naturally before placements took place.
"It was really good for the children because they got to know us and my daughter beforehand. When they came to stay, it felt familiar and comfortable."
Laura also says respite care offers vital support to foster families, allowing carers to attend important family occasions, holidays and pre-booked events, while ensuring children stay with people they know and trust.
As a now full-time foster carer herself, she has experienced first-hand how important respite support can be.
"It's really important that children have a consistent person who gets to know them and understands them. It becomes less about staying somewhere new and more like staying with family. It becomes fun for them too."
One of the biggest advantages of respite fostering is its flexibility. Laura was able to choose when she was available to provide care, making it possible to fit fostering around work and family commitments.
"I would let my supervising social worker know when I was available during school holidays or over Christmas and they would match me with requests. It was always planned really well and only when we were free."
Since beginning their fostering journey, Laura says the experience has transformed her family's life.
Her children have learnt about inclusivity and diversity, they've formed lasting friendships, and the family has become part of a close-knit fostering community.
"My husband and I have made amazing friends, some we could almost call family now. We go to events together, help arrange activities and support one another. It's a really good community."
Looking back, Laura says fostering has enriched her family's life in ways she never expected.
"Not only are you helping young people, it brings so much to you as a person. You're supporting other foster carers, other children and building friendships along the way. Everyone becomes part of a community and a family."
For anyone considering fostering but unsure whether they can commit full-time, Laura believes respite care can be the perfect starting point.
"It's something that enriches your life. That's probably the best way to describe it."
Could you become a respite foster carer?
Respite foster carers provide short-term care and support for children and young people while helping fellow foster carers manage family commitments, holidays and important life events.
If you have spare time, a caring nature and want to make a difference in a child's life, respite fostering could be a rewarding way to get involved.
To find out more about fostering with Thurrock Council, visit the fostering pages on our website.