Richard Swepson and Barry Yates first thought about becoming foster parents, a couple of years ago.

Then they had second thoughts, and withdrew.

But they went back to it in late 2017 and took in a brother and sister under the age of five for two weeks respite care to give their parents a break.

Since then they’ve looked after both younger children and older, and want everyone to know how rewarding it is to see disadvantaged children grow in their care.

Because they think it is the best thing they have ever done.

The couple live in north Swindon, and Richard, 54 works at Honda, while 44-year-old Barry is full-time carer at home.

Barry said: "Back in 2015 I was working in a brain injury rehabilitation charity, and I did that for five years, so I’ve been caring for people. I was working with adults and I thought it would be nice to work with children, and we heard there were a lot of children in Swindon needing a home.”

Despite Richard having two grown up children already, the couple withdrew from the process initially, but went back to it.

Richard said: “We had an appointment is September with the team and a week later we were asked whether we could take two children – there wasn’t a lot of time.”

Barry added: “It was really scary at first, the children depend on you and you don’t know them, they don’t know you, you haven’t formed a bond yet.

“But if you just think about what you can do for children in need, it’s fine.

“It was scary and it wasn’t easy, but it made us more determined to do it and help more children, and we felt really proud of ourselves.”

Since then the couple have fostered another pair of young siblings and then more recently an older boy.

Barry said: “It’s amazing to see the change in the children. Sometimes they have challenging behaviour, or they have a lot of fear or anger. They might not have had any proper care or love at home at all.

“And if you give them as much love and care and support as you can, you can see them grow and develop, and it’s an amazing sight.”

That sentiment is echoed by Tracey Bijok, who lives in Old Town.

The 56-year old has been fostering children in Swindon for 15 years. She said: “I must have had about 30 children by now. It’s the best job in the world, if you ask me.”

Tracey provides what’s known as enhanced foster care – taking in children with additional and complex needs - often for short periods to provide parents with a break from their caring duties.

She said: “I have built up a really good relationship with both the children and their parents, they’re like part of my extended families.

“Sometimes it makes a huge difference to parents. They sometimes feel that they are really struggling to look after their child, that they might not be able to carry on.

“Then they have a break, just for a weekend, perhaps, or a week. And it makes such a big difference.

“It also allows them to spend more time, and do other things with their other children, perhaps go for a meal in a restaurant, or a trip to the cinema.

“I know of some parents who just sleep for the weekend when I have their child – but it makes a huge difference to them.”

What makes a huge difference to Richard and Barry and Tracey is seeing the effect of support, love and care on their young charges.

Richard said: “It’s just wonderful to see someone grow and develop and become more confident in just a couple of months

“I’d say to anybody who is thinking about it that they should do it.”

Training is given to those who are accepted as foster carers, and children and families have support officers to help and advise.

To enquire about becoming a foster carer in Swindon contact the borough council via the website Swindon.gov.uk/fostering where there is an online form or call the fostering team on 07917 503447.