A FOSTER carer who was just 25 when she began providing care for children and young people in need is calling for others across Cornwall to consider a career in fostering.

Laura Grinyer from St Blazey Gate first thought of fostering when she was in her early twenties and working in a nursery where some of the children were in the care system.

When Laura was 25 she started providing respite care to some of the children at her nursery, offering their carers or biological parents a break at weekends or in the evenings.

She left her job in 2018 to become a full-time foster carer with Five Rivers Child Care, an independent fostering provider and social enterprise.

Laura, now 28, said: ’The idea of fostering always appealed to me. Just seeing the changes in the children I looked after gave me the motivation to provide a safe home for those that may not continuously have that.’

Since then, Laura has looked after two young people, 18-year-old Ibby, and 10-year-old Tom (not his real name). Both have been with the family for two years alongside Laura’s seven-year-old daughter Phoebe.

’Ibby arrived the night before her 16th birthday on an emergency placement and she was very quiet. She stayed in her room for most of the time at first.

’A couple of weeks in, I introduced her to some young people her age from our local community. Slowly but surely, Ibby started to come out of her shell and in the end, she asked her social worker if she could stay with us more permanently. We celebrated her 18th birthday last month and she’ll stay with me until she’s ready to live on her own.’

Shortly after Ibby came to stay, the family welcomed then seven-year-old Tom, who will also stay in Laura’s care until he becomes an adult.

Now, Ibby is currently on track to start a career in social work herself. She said: ’I have so much respect for Laura, for how well she copes. She is always fighting our corner, treating us as her own.

’Laura has inspired me so much to help children and young people in need, that I am currently waiting to start my next course to hopefully further my career.’

Laura says that the years with Ibby and Tom have been the best of her life. ’Seeing them blossom and change has been incredible,’ she said, describing hearing Ibby laugh with her friends and teaching Tom to swim, something he was fearful of before, as amazing moments.

’The relationship Ibby and Tom have with my little girl Phoebe is so loving and caring. We are such a tight knit family and I couldn’t see it any other way.’

Most recently, Laura’s partner Luke also became a foster carer with Five Rivers and the two now share the care roles in the home.

Sarah Wells, Fostering Service manager at Five Rivers Child Care said: ’Laura is an example of a carer who has gone above and beyond to help look after children. Her experience in childcare has clearly stood Laura in good stead but I’d encourage anyone of any age, if they are interested in foster care to get in touch.

’The Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped us recruiting foster carers, as the need for children and young people to have stable and caring foster carers has not diminished, and in some areas we have seen the need increase.’

People from all walks of life can be eligible to become a foster carer, but they must be over the age of 21 and have a private and furnished bedroom for each child, with some exceptions for siblings.

Single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation can become foster carers.

For more information on foster care contact Five Rivers Child Care on 0345 266 0272 or visit www.five-rivers.org.

Prospective foster carers can also apply via Cornwall Council. The local authority says there are curently 450 young people in care in the county, ranging in age from newborn to teenage.

To know more visit www.cornwall.gov.uk and search fostering or call 01872 323 638.