ISLE of Wight foster carer Ros McCourt had long dreamed of creating a loving and nurturing home for both her own children and young people in care.

Working as a support worker for vulnerable 16-25 year olds opened Ros’s eyes to the issues and challenges these young people faced without a loving, supportive family.

At the end of each shift, Ros struggled to leave them, realising she could do more by taking them into a home environment and offering support.

With this in mind, she embarked on a life-changing journey as a single foster carer.

She is currently caring for a 16-year old girl.

Ros said: “I read an article about fostering, inviting single people with a supportive family to apply and I seemed to tick all the boxes.

“If you are struggling to find meaning in your job or feel you need a rewarding life-changing role, fostering could be the right path for you."

After researching various options, Ros chose to foster through FamilyPlacement.com, part of the National Fostering Group, attracted by its welcoming family feel, comprehensive training and support network.

Ros took on a part-time role as a learning support assistant at the Isle of Wight College to ensure she could dedicate time to complete the necessary in-house and specialist training, receiving a foster care income once she started caring for her foster child.

More information on becoming a foster carer is available at www.fostercarers.com.