Could you become a short break carer?
Can you listen, learn and love? Well, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP) are looking for foster carers and short break carers who want to help children thrive by providing a caring, stable home and loving relationships...
Have you thought about becoming a Short Break Carer?
Could you be a Short Break Carer for children and young people in North Ayrshire who require supportive and caring adults to provide essential support via weekend or midweek short breaks?
NAHSCP is looking to assess and recruit Community Short Break Carers for children aged from birth to 16 years who reside in the community with birth parents or Kinship Carers.
The service supports children who are at risk of being looked after outwith their family, as well as families who are affected by child protection issues such as parental substance/alcohol use. For some families this may be a one-off requirement, while others may need regular short breaks to assist them in caring for their children.
We’re also looking to recruit Short Break Carers who can provide breaks to children and young people who are currently living with foster carers.
Applicants must be over 21 years of age, with single applicants welcome as well as couples. You do not need to own your own home, but you must have a spare bedroom.
You won’t need any formal qualifications, as full training and ongoing support will be provided. The most important thing is that you have an interest in making a difference to a child’s life and the ability to offer a nurturing and loving environment.
Short Break Carers will generally be required to provide a minimum of one weekend a month caring for a child. You can be a Short Break Carer alongside your current employment, and hours will be tailored to suit your availability.
If you’d like to find out more about what being a short break carer entails, details on how to apply, or information about other types of fostering with NAHSCP, visit our dedicated fostering website, call 01294 310300 (choose option 4 then option 1), or email the Families for Children team.
Our Families for Children team are urging anyone who has been thinking about fostering or short break fostering to reach out for more information. You can call the team on 01294 310300 or email adfos-enquiry@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Published August 11, 2026
