FOR 25 years, Julie Bremner worked in a factory inspecting and packing orthopaedic joints, but she has now discovered a job much closer to her heart – helping vulnerable children.

The 54-year-old, of Liden, provides short-break support for families who have children with special needs and respite care for foster carers.

She said: “I’m very young at heart – my sister always says I’ve never really grown up, so this is the perfect role.”

Julie looks after nine-year-old Jamie, who has autism, for a couple of days a month to give his mum Hazel a break and more time to focus on his older sister Megan.

She said: “At first, I was a bit anxious because I didn’t know much about autism. But it has worked out brilliantly and we get on really well.”

“I get along really well with his mum and it’s nice to feel that I’m giving her a bit of a break. I might even be taking Jamie for a short holiday to the seaside in the summer.”

Julie also soon got the hang of dealing with the occasional tantrum.

“He’s good as gold really, but there will be the odd moment like when he didn’t have his onesie or if we’re queuing –he hates doing that. I talk him through it and explain how we can’t avoid it, and although he still doesn’t like it, it soon passes and he is fine again.”

Julie has also started helping and supporting as a teaching assistant at Bridlewood Primary School.

“I never thought I would have a career change at this stage in my life. But being made redundant has opened up a whole new world for me.

I love working with children – it’s so fulfilling and enjoyable because we genuinely do learn from each other and it’s mutually rewarding.”

Councillor Fionuala Foley, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It’s wonderful to hear about Julie’s positive experience, which shows the mutual benefits of helping young children in need.

To find out more, drop in for coffee and a chat on the first Friday of every month at the Swindon Central Library cafe. For more information visit fosteringadoptionswindon.org.uk or call 01793 465700.