Foster carers on Anglesey have been talking about the importance of 'breakthrough' moments with children.

A new survey reveals 80% of carers in Wales have supported young people who develop ways of protecting themselves after experiencing trauma - such as anxiety, emotional shutdown or difficulty following rules.

Foster Wales says while such challenges can be tough, half of those surveyed said they noticed a meaningful 'breakthrough' with children within the first six months.

After experience, support and professional guidance, almost all carers (93%) said they are now confident responding to trauma‑related behaviour.

The findings were published ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, an annual UK-wide campaign held each May to raise awareness of fostering.

One such couple, Brian and Hilary, have been fostering for 14 years, supporting local families by offering short breaks that help children to stay at home while giving families extra support when they need it most.

Brian said: "From the very first day we started fostering, we've always respected that children have their own families. We've been committed to working alongside those families and involving them as much as possible."

"We provide ongoing short breaks for families who need support from time to time. The children continue to live at home but come to stay with us when needed. We step up when we're needed and step back when we're not - and it works really well."

"Even in our retirement years, we're still getting so much enjoyment out of fostering. It's often the little moments that make it so special - knowing you're helping to keep families together, supporting children to stay connected to their communities, and keeping them close to home."

"Seeing the children we support thrive, flourish and succeed at school is incredibly rewarding."

Foster carers say breakthrough moments are often centred around "small moments of connection" which actually mean much more.

For children in care, it means they have made progress, they have started to feel safe, they have started to heal, to feel loved and to feel supported following childhood trauma.

The theme of this year's campaign, 'This is Fostering', aims to highlight the real experiences of foster carers and how they help children feel safe.

Fôn Roberts, director of social services at Anglesey Council, said: "Here at Foster Wales Anglesey we are extremely proud of our foster carers."

"We are pleased to learn that foster carers are accessing the resources that are available to them, and these are having a positive impact on the children in their care when supporting complex issues like childhood trauma."

"At Foster Wales Anglesey we are committed to supporting our foster carers through the highs and the lows of fostering, and this survey shows just how important and valued that local support is."

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, the Foster Wales Anglesey team are holding a series of meet and greet events across the island next week, including:

• Monday 18th May: Llangefni Library (11am-1pm)
• Wednesday 20th May: Amlwch Library (10am-12 noon)
• Thursday 21st May: 'Megasparc' Innovation and Maker Fair, M-Sparc, Gaerwen
• Friday 22nd May: Holyhead Library (11am-1pm)

To find out more about becoming a foster care on Anglesey, visit the Foster Wales Anglesey website.