'Share the Care Week' takes place across the country
between 21 and 27 March and our Family Link scheme is hoping it
will encourage more people to think "I Could Do That!" and offer
short breaks to children with learning disabilities and their
families.
Although there are 25 families who benefit from the short-break
scheme at the moment, there are at least another 10 families in
North Somerset waiting for carers. There is a real need for more
short-break carers in the area to help children with learning
disabilities take part in community activities and provide a break
for their families.
Candy Smith, Chief Executive of Shared Care Network, the
national short-breaks charity, said: "Not only do short-break
carers give children the chance to take part in activities that
most non-disabled children take for granted – they also give
parents a break from the demands of caring.
"Being a short break carer is such a rewarding and enjoyable
role to have in a disabled child's life We hope that when they hear
about the opportunity many more people will think 'I Could Do
That!' and find out more."
A survey carried out on behalf of Shared Care Network last year
showed only three in 10 people have heard about the opportunity to
become short-break carers, but once people become aware of the
scheme, a large number (one in five) would consider doing it.
Short-break carers come from a wide range of ages and
backgrounds. They share a love of working with children and a
desire to help a disabled child realise their potential. The
regular stays they offer can be anything from day care at weekends
and school holidays to a regular overnight stay at least once a
month. Training is given and an allowance is paid for
expenses.
In North Somerset, Ellie Frake and her family have been Family
Link carers for the past five years. At the moment they are
linked to two children, who come to stay with them for regular
weekends.
Ellie, who lives in Hewish, said: "It is very rewarding, the
benefits are enormous. It feels like an extension to your own
family. My daughter always gets excited when they are visiting
because we do so much more during the weekend. We’ll play games,
cook, or go out and visit different places."
"It has benefited my children too, because it has given them an
understanding of inclusion and equal opportunities. They’ve grown
up knowing that we are all different and, if you meet someone with
different abilities, that’s okay."
If you want to find out more visit
www.thebigdifference.org.uk
to hear from other short-break carers about what they do, why they
do it and the children they support.
You can telephone our Family Link scheme on 01934 427 682
or 427 331or find out more
here
