'Fostering is tough but a wonderful experience'

A couple from Guernsey have urged fellow islanders to consider becoming foster carers.

Helena and Peter McGovern are respite foster carers, which means they fill in for foster carers when they need a break or go on holiday.

Mr McGovern said it was "a wonderful experience", which he and his wife both "highly recommend".

The pair shared their experiences as part of Foster Care Fortnight, an annual awareness campaign in the UK, which the Channel Islands also takes part in.

As part of the campaign, which runs until 25 May, the Family Placement Service said foster carers could have an "incredible impact".

Mr McGovern said of his experience with foster caring: "It's been great, it's tough sometimes, but we've met some wonderful people along the way, we've got to know some of the children and it's lovely to see them mature, growing up, settling down.

"It's a wonderful experience - we would highly recommend it."

Mrs McGovern said having a "sense of humour, and loving children, and being able to listen to them" was crucial for anyone considering becoming a foster carer.

"We've got really good back-up with the social workers, who are there for us 24/7, which is fantastic," she said.

Family Placement Service manager Karen Reade said she had seen first hand how the support of a fostering family could change children's lives.

The theme of this year's Foster Care Fortnight is "the power of relationships".

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