News

People in Poole are being asked to help support local disabled children and their families. The campaign is being launched by Poole Shared Care scheme as part of Share the Care Week (23- 29 September). The scheme aims to recruit people of all ages and backgrounds as short break carers for disabled children.

Shared carers are ordinary people who look after a disabled child on a regular basis such as a day a week or a weekend a month. This helps families by providing badly needed opportunities for disabled children to meet new friends and gain new experiences. At the same time their parents get a break from caring full time. The carers involve the children in ordinary activities in the community and at home like playing games, reading books, going swimming and feeding the ducks.

Vee and Brian Churchill are a Poole couple whose own children have grown up and left home. They joined the Poole Shared Care scheme eight years ago and have looked after a number of disabled youngsters since then.

Vee said: "Each child is different and has a personality of their own. We just love having a house full of children and we encourage them to join in all our normal family activities as much as they can. They get the chance to meet some of our friends and family so widen their social circle. It also works both ways, helping to break down the odd ideas people have about disability. There are some difficult moments, but the rewards far outweigh them."

Without fail, the children all love coming for their visits and enjoy the special attention and fun that they get. Parents too are very appreciative of the break, in the knowledge that their children are safe and happy. Many have built up a good relationship with Vee and Brian, Vee added: "It makes a great difference to talk to someone who really knows their child, ‘warts and all’!"

Shared carers can be young or old, married or single, retired, unemployed or working. They may or may not have children of their own or their children may have left home. Carers do not need any experience as they receive training and support. They are also paid an allowance for their time.

Amanda Harriskine from the Poole shared care scheme said: " We want to encourage more people to come forward. Being a shared carer is not a huge time commitment but makes a huge difference to disabled children and their families. What’s more it is very rewarding. If you can share a few hours a month with a disabled child then there are plenty of families out there who need your support."

She added: "Getting a regular break from caring is a lifeline to many parents of disabled children. They know their child is being well looked after and enjoying a break too. Carers get to know the child and look forward to the visits. It is a win-win situation."

There are 10,000 disabled children nationally getting short breaks – however over 20 children in Poole are still waiting for a shared carer to be found.

To find out more about becoming a shared carer call Amanda Harriskine, Ann Taylor or Yvonne Roberts at Children & Families Services, 01202 714640 or visit the website www.sharedcarenetwork.org.uk .