Could you Share the Care?
Written by Shaun Moore on March 4, 2010
Could you care for a child with disabilities? During Share the Care Week (7th-14th March), Gloucestershire County Council is asking people to consider if they could ‘Be the BIG difference’.
Seventy five disabled children and young people from across the county benefit from short breaks under the county council’s Family Link service, but another twenty are still waiting to be matched with a carer. Gloucestershire County Council currently has 70 Family Link carers.
The council’s Family Link service is part-time fostering, with a carer providing regular short breaks for a disabled child. The breaks give the child some quality time and new experiences while their parents, carers and siblings can relax and enjoy time together.
Family Link is looking for a warm and energetic family who can provide weekend breaks for ‘Harry’. Harry is 7 years old, and lives with his mum and three siblings. Harry has Down’s Syndrome and has a lot to give. He is fun-loving and boisterous, curious and affectionate, and doesn’t like to waste time staying in bed in the mornings!
Cllr Stephen McMillan, Cabinet member for young people’s support, said: “Short breaks are an absolute lifeline for families. They give parents and carers vital time and space to recharge their batteries and are so valued by the children. It can be challenging but the rewards are incredible. If you think you could help Harry or a child like him, please do get in touch.”
Share the Care Week, organised by Shared Care Network, the national short breaks charity, is encouraging more people to offer short breaks to a disabled child, while their parents get a regular break from caring.
Gloucestershire County Council accepts applications from all sectors of society and people can be married, single, unmarried couples, same sex couples or individuals, have their own children, retired, a homeowner or unemployed. All children are different, and to meet their needs the County Council is looking for a wide variety of people.
Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a Family Link carer can contact 01452 618691, email familylink@gloucestershire.gov.uk or visit the team at Gloucester Farmers Market on Friday 12th March from 8.30am-2.30pm.
