Could you be the respite carer Maisie needs?

28 March 2025

Maisie is a beautiful and lively 5-year-old girl from Carlisle who is adored by her parents. Maisie has a severe learning disability and a diagnosis of autism, which means she experiences the world differently and needs extra support to feel safe and secure.

Maisie is non-verbal but communicates in her own way. She will sometimes lead adults to what she wants but often prefers to figure things out independently. She needs time to process instructions and doesn’t always understand what is being asked of her. Maisie also has no sense of danger, so she needs constant supervision in a safe environment.

Despite these challenges, Maisie is a happy and engaging child with a love for life. She loves water play — splashing around brings her so much joy. She also enjoys blowing bubbles, visiting the park, and spending time with animals. Running freely in open spaces makes her feel calm and content. Her favourite toy is a singing toy radio that plays farm animal songs — Maisie often places it between her legs and rocks along to the music with a big smile on her face.

Maisie thrives on routine and can find transitions difficult. When she feels overwhelmed or distressed, she may bang her head on walls, floors, or furniture, or lash out by kicking or hitting. This is her way of communicating that she’s not happy.

Maisie would do best in a family where she is the youngest child, as she can become frustrated with her younger sibling. She is doubly incontinent and wears nappies. Maisie also has a limited diet, preferring “beige foods,” which has led to chronic constipation.

Maisie is a sweet, loving child who needs a patient, understanding family to offer her the consistency, care, and space to thrive. Could you provide the supportive, nurturing environment Maisie needs?

Could you help?

Maisie needs foster carers who can offer her Shared Care, overnight, respite care in their home for 2 nights a month, to support her parents.

This Shared Care Placement is intended to provide her parents with support so they can have regular breaks to look forward to so they can recharge their batteries, knowing that Maisie is being looked after.

This scheme links carers with a family who have a child or children with disabilities. Our Shared Carers look after a child on a regular basis, usually for a weekend each month, which gives their families a well-earned break. The flexible scheme means that you can continue to work while fostering and still make a huge difference to lives of local children and their families.

The Shared Care Placement does not need to be in Carlisle however her parents do not drive so Maisie’s carers would need to be able to drive to Carlisle to pick Maisie up and drop her off.

Contact us today if you feel you could help: