The Isle of Man healthcare provider has launched a public call for part-time foster carers.

Manx Care’s fostering service is looking for people to look after children for ‘short breaks’.

The aim is to help support full-time foster carers and parents who may have medical problems or need a break from caring.

Manx Care said this type of short-term or emergency support could “mean the difference between a happy long-term outcome and a serious crisis”.

The healthcare body explained that it is expanding its recruitment of foster carers “to encourage people who want to foster but don’t have the time or ability to do so 24/7”.

Fostering and Adoption Group Manager Ed Coates said: “Our foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a range of life and work experiences with them.”

He continued: “They are the backbone of our service and make a huge contribution, opening their homes and building trusting relationships with children, young people and often their families.”

Mr Coates added that “the common denominator is that they all need that extra point of support and stability”.

“As a short break carer, you may have a full-time or part-time job, but you will need to give some time, either regularly or planned,” he said.