"Empty nest syndrome’ is a familiar saying among parents whose off-spring have moved on.

Some see it as a time to take up pastimes or travel to places they’ve longed to explore but never had time before.

For others, the departure of sons and daughters and the energy they inject into the home is almost like mourning a loss.

While many explore the possibilities of fostering and adoption, others still juggling careers may look at offering temporary rather than full-time care.

Nevertheless, their contribution is not only helping to meet a demand, it is also bringing far-reaching benefits to them and the families they are supporting.

Helen, 48, and Gary Hodgson, 49, from Cottingley, became involved in the Shared Care service three years ago.

Based in Shipley, the Shared Care service is part of the Adoption and Fostering Unit and evolved from the voluntary Give Mum a Break scheme which started in the Seventies.

Shared Care offers short-break respite placements (including overnight stays) for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have complex health needs and challenging behaviour related to their disability.

Placements vary from a weekly teatime visit to a weekend stay within a family setting where the child or young person is cared for in the carer’s home.

“We have four grown-up children and when I started looking into it I was a full-time carer for my mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t go out to work but wanted to do something else, so I explored if it was a possibility,” explains Helen.

The couple spent almost a year going through the process. During this time, Helen’s mother-in-law went into full-time care and she returned to her post as vicar at Eldwick Church. Gary is the vicar of St Michael’s, in Cottingley.

“But we continued to go through the process,” says Helen.

Three years ago the couple opened their home to a young girl. The 12-year-old, who has special needs, lives with her relation but spends every other weekend with Helen and Gary.

“When I started I was a full-time carer anyway. I thought it would be good to be doing something else,” says Helen, who finds the flexibility of the scheme fits perfectly around her work.

“To do this kind of thing it brings another dimension to life, and now our children are grown up it brings new life to the house again.”

“We love having her – she is always really happy and really content.”

Helen acknowledges the benefit it brings to the child’s relation who is able to have a day to herself every other weekend.

She also hopes to encourage more volunteers to come forward and help others in similar situations. “I would say give it a go. My job has changed a few times and I’ve had to juggle things around but the whole thing is flexible,” says Helen.

Mark Ludlam, Shared Care team manager, says demand for volunteers to help deliver the service has always been there, but with hopes of expanding the service they are currently seeking eight more volunteers – particularly from the Asian community.

Carers will need to have some experience with children and it is useful if they have some knowledge of disability.

Volunteers can choose how much time they have available for the scheme. Once they’ve been matched with a child, placements continue for a long time, giving carers the chance to develop a relationship with the child and their family and get to know them.

Many carers find offering short breaks rewarding and can see that they are making a significant difference to a child’s life and experiences.

Shared Care is suitable for people who work, as long as they have some availability and consistency when care is likely to be needed such as weekends, evenings and school holidays.

“It works really well and has formed some fabulous friendships,” says Mark.

Volunteers need to be over 18. Full training is given and support is provided.

For more information, contact the fostering recruirment line on (01274) 434331 or e-mail adoption fostering@bradford.gov.uk.