Richard grew up in foster care and always wanted to give something back to the foster family and local authority that saved his life.

Richard and his wife have two children and they have supported 69 placements and 74 children over the past eleven years. Many of the children they have fostered have complex needs and learning disabilities. Richard is also a foster mentor and helps and supports new foster carers on their fostering journey.

Have you experienced any challenges as a foster carer?
One challenge we had was when we looked after a child who was from a Muslim background. We had to alter our household and support his Muslim culture while still living our own culture. We supported and respected his religion and culture which was very different to our own and we supported him through Ramadan. It was quite difficult, but we got there in the end.

What is the age range of the children you have fostered?
The first child we had was four and now we have an eighteen-year-old. Some children and young people we have fostered have had complex needs. We have also gone into hospital and looked after children in hospital as well.

What has been your most rewarding moment?
Every day is a standout moment. We had one child with disabilities, and he came to us and could not use a knife and fork, was on medication and was shaking a lot and could not write, and two years on he is off all medication and is learning every day, it is lovely to see.

Providing compassionate and thoughtful care to nursery children is Catrin's passion and purpose.

Describing her role as a privilege, the manager of Camau Bach explains how her apprenticeship accelerated her career and enabled her to transition into a senior care role.

Driven by a genuine devotion to care for children and their families, Catrin recognised that she needed to refresh her existing skill set to suit a nursery setting and undertook a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

The training provided her with a background in nursery education and equipped her with the skills needed to support her team.

Her drive to make a difference and her dedicated approach makes Catrin an asset to the care sector.

Gaynor began childminding after having two children of her own and being asked by some of her friends if she could look after their children too.

Susan works for the Family Information Service supporting the childcare sector and parents in accessing the services they need.

Gareth always had a passion for working with young people and found his calling as a Youth Worker thanks to his apprenticeship with Ceredigion County Council.

It wasn’t long after joining the scheme that Gareth realised how important the role of Youth Workers play in the lives of many vulnerable young people.

Gareth believes the experience he gained during his apprenticeship was a crucial stepping stone to begin his career in social care.