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Share the Care Week
Posted on 10/03/2010
Carers are needed to provide well-deserved breaks for families of children with special needs.
Leicestershire County Council’s Short Breaks Scheme offers a short break for parents, by providing a safe place for their child to visit for at least one weekend a month.
The Council needs people who can offer a minimum of a short weekend a month to look after a child with special needs.
In particular, carers are needed who can help children with severe disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour or complex medical needs.
Share the Care Week, run by the Shared Care Network charity, is taking place from 7-14 March. This annual awareness week is held to recruit short break carers for disabled children and their families.
The scheme aims to improve the quality of life for everyone involved.
For the parents of children with special needs, daily life can be a constant struggle. Due to their dedication to caring for their child it can be difficult for them to spend time with their other children, or just have time to ‘recharge their batteries’.
The scheme also gives the child an interest and new relationship away from the home, and could even be the first step towards a more independent life.
Our carers get a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure from their time with the children and while there are challenges, the role can be inspirational and rewarding.
Some carers have experience of disability through the nursing and caring professions, but some started with no experience. There is excellent training and support, and carers are paid for the time they look after the child.
Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “The Short Breaks Scheme improves the quality of life for all involved.
“If you have a love of children, patience and a keen sense of fun then you can make a real difference by giving parents of children with learning disabilities a chance to revitalise. We always need foster carers who can provide care in a family setting for children and young people with a range of needs.”
For more information call 0800 587 7767, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/fostering or e-mail: familyplacements@leics.gov.uk
Notes for Editors:
Carers are available for interview from:
•Coalville
•Hinckley
•Wigston
•Melton
•Loughborough
•Wigston.
Please contact the press office on 0116 305 6162 for details.