News

Local people are being asked by Poole Shared Care Scheme to "give a little time and make a big difference" as part of national ‘Share the Care week’.

From 24 - 30 September people are being sought to join the Scheme which supports parents of disabled children by looking after a child for short periods of time.  For a day a week or a week-end a month you can help make a difference by giving the child and the family the chance to have a break. Activities can involve things like baking, feeding the ducks or just going shopping.

Sue Mennear, Development Worker at Shared Care Network, said: "There is a great demand for the service which is popular with children and their parents; children get the chance to do something different and parents can leave their child with someone they trust knowing the child will enjoy the break too. Carers also find it enjoyable and rewarding so it’s a win-win situation!"

Shared Care Network, the national charity co-ordinating the campaign estimate that there are 10,000 children nationally being helped by the service and another 5000 children waiting. In Poole there are 15 children waiting to take part in the scheme and 43 already enjoying its benefits.

Mark and Mary Stepin, new carers from Corfe Mullen, look after a little girl who visits them once a fortnight, they said: "We absolutely love it! We’ve extended our family network and she is so much fun. Our own kids have learnt to be more understanding and they really miss her when she can’t come".

Amanda Harriskine, Poole Shared Care Scheme, said: " Knowing there will be a break is important for parents and makes caring less stressful. Giving the child time away from their parents is also important so it is good for the whole family. We are not looking for saints or wonder people! This is something that anyone can do, especially with training provided. It is not a huge commitment and it makes a big difference to the families of disabled children. What’s more it is fun!".

Shared carers receive an allowance, training and support. For more information about becoming a shared carer contact: Ann Taylor or Amanda Harriskine at Children & Families Services, 14a Commercial Road, Parkstone, Poole, BH14 0JW. Tel: (01202) 714640 (during office hours).

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Shared Care Network is a charity. It is the national organisation supporting and representing family based short break schemes throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Shared Care Network, 3 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 ITX for more information email: sue.mennear@bristol.ac.uk