Short break foster carer Joe builds lasting bond with young Sam

Sam, who has complex needs and is non-verbal, spends two nights a month with Joe.

Joe explained how he came across an advertisement in the paper that was asking those who might want to consider becoming a Short Break Foster Carer to apply.

“I think it was a sign and a signal for me to make the call,” said Joe. “Sam is such a good friend of mine.

"He is the best teacher that there could ever be. Sam has taught me discipline and this whole process has been so rewarding. Becoming a Short Break Foster Carer has made me a better person with inner strength.”

“People may not think that they can become a Short Break Foster Carer. I was in that boat but I have come to realise it is the best thing that I have ever done.”

A grandfather of six, Joe continued: “There are a lot of good people out there with helping hands and a good heart and I would advise them to think about it and go for it.

“I have built such a great relationship with him and his family; they are my friends. Sam’s weekend is very important to me and I know it is very important to him.”

Sam’s Mum Emma Stockdale described how her son has had Short Break care since he was five.

“Our family were approached a few years ago about this service and thought Sam would be a good candidate,” she said. “

“We couldn’t believe how straight forward it actually was and how willing Joe was.

"We were carefully matched and Joe accommodated his house for Sam’s needs in such an amazing way.

"Joe has created such a lovely bedroom space for Sam with his specialist bed and a sensory, playroom for him.

“We took the process at a slow pace and we had a series of dates when Sam would have gone for tea with Joe and eventually for one over night stay. Sam loves one to one interaction. Joe has such a great sense of humour and Sam just totally gets it. The pair just clicked straight away.

“Having the Short Break Care for two nights a month is pretty special. Sam gets to go on ‘holiday’ with Joe and I know he is in really good hands. It is a fantastic service and with hindsight I wish my family had have started it sooner. It has gone beyond our expectations.

“Joe is a great friend to Sam and a great friend of mine. It still amazes me how Joe can give his time so generously. He is a busy Grandad and still makes the time for Sam. He is a very special person.”

South Eastern Trust Director of Children's Services and Executive Director of Social Work, Marie-Louise Sloan said: “Through offering Short Breaks, Foster Carers and families can work together to improve wellbeing, create stability and strengthen a child’s wider support network, which is particularly critical for children and young people with disabilities who often aren’t afforded the same opportunities as their peers.”