A MONMOUTHSHIRE foster mum is encouraging others to volunteer after helping children for the last three years.

Olivia Beaumont, along with her husband and 16-year-old daughter, applied to become foster carers in 2012.

Mrs Beaumont, who is from Usk, had been working in a high-pressure job in the financial sector and decided she wanted a change.

She said: “People foster for many reasons, it was a very personal decision for me and something I had wanted to do for a very long time, but I kept letting excuses get in the way. "Then, three years ago, everything came together and it just felt the time was right."

She added: "I wanted to do something that I considered to be more worthwhile. There is a real need for foster carers and we had the space, time and love to give. The application process took just under 12 months, so there was plenty of time to learn more about it, ask questions along the way and ultimately decide it was something we really wanted to do. "The process was thorough, but not intimidating."

Fostering is providing a temporary home for children when they are unable to live with a family member and takes many forms.

Foster carers are paid allowances to help with the costs of clothing, food and general expenses.

Mrs Beaumont added: “You shouldn’t become a foster carer for an income. It is not about a financial reward, it’s a way of life. I feel you get back what you put in, we get a lot of pleasure from watching the children in our care progress, learn to trust and become children again. It’s a cliché but it really is a very rewarding experience."

Monmouthshire council is looking for people who are committed to supporting children and young people and who can offer them the stability and support that they need. There are no restrictions on who is able to foster – but all applicants are subject to an advanced police check.

For more information call 01873 735945 or familyplacement@monmouthshire.gov.uk.