'My weekend fosterer changed my life'

Available for over a year

There's a big shortage of foster carers across the UK. Factors including the rising cost of living, more people working from home and biological children living at home for longer have all contributed to fewer people wanting to foster. In fact, the fostering network estimates there's a shortage of 6,500 foster families. The result? More children at risk of not receiving the love and support they need. So should we be thinking outside the box for different solutions? Well, one idea is about becoming a sort of foster aunt or uncle for a child in care. You're not a parent figure and you don't have to commit so much time or share your home. In this 5 Minutes On podcast, the BBC's Ellie Price has been finding out a bit more about how this works. Image Credit: BBC News