PEOPLE in York have been urged to help offer respite to carers of foster children in the city.

Five Rivers Child Care, a social enterprise, said there were currently 160 children in foster care in teh city, whose carers could benefit from the rest, and called on experienced care givers to offer up their skills and time.

Respite carers take in a foster child for a limited time period, this might be because of a family emergency or pre-planned holiday or other work commitments. Respite carers provide vital support to long term foster carers who might not otherwise have a break from their full-time role as a foster carer.

In some instances, a respite carer might look after a child for an overnight stay, a weekend, or even just after school if the foster carer is unable to get home in time.

Martin Leitch from Five Rivers Child Care said: "Respite carers are an integral part of the fostering industry and ensure full-time foster carers can retain flexibility in their personal lives. Like everyone else, foster carers often find January a busy time so it can be a time when we require more respite carers than usual.

"This type of a care is a perfect employment opportunity for those with the relevant care giving skills and would be great for someone in an existing part-time care role looking for a flexible work opportunity. The roles also offer regular training with industry experts and the opportunity to work alongside social workers and other healthcare professionals."

For more information phone 0345 266 0272 or go to five-rivers.org