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News

COULD YOU SHARE THE CARE AND MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE? National Share the Care Week, 18-24 September 2000

PEOPLE who look after a child or adult with a learning or physical disability often find they don’t have a moment to spare for anything else.

They may find it difficult to give time to the rest of their family, let alone have time to themselves.

That’s why the Borough of Poole’s scheme linking disabled people with shared carers is so important, giving the family a much-needed break and giving the person they care for new interests, social contacts and independence.

Shared carers can be from all walks of life and give as much time as they can on a regular basis to help ease the burden of care on the person’s own family.

The Borough of Poole runs link schemes for both children and adults, who enjoy all sorts of activities with their carer from shopping to going to the cinema or other outings.

Julia Groves, who runs the Borough of Poole scheme for adults with learning disabilities, said: "You might be single or married, with or without a family, in work or unemployed, from any ethnic background. As long as you are caring and can understand the needs of a person with disabilities, you could become a link carer."

Amanda Harriskine, who is a social worker on the Shared Care Scheme for children with disabilities, said: "The campaign calls on ordinary people to ‘give a little time and make a big difference’. It is not a huge time commitment and it makes a huge difference to the families of disabled children. What’s more – it’s fun!"

Potential carers go through an approval process and are then very carefully matched with their link person to make sure everyone is happy with the arrangement. They receive an allowance, training and ongoing support from officers.

There will be a display in the Dolphin Centre on 18 and 19 September 2000 (manned from 12-3pm each day) as part of Share the Care Week (18-24 September) when you can find out more about the scheme for adults with learning difficulties. The display will also be at the Civic Centre for the whole week.

Both schemes are looking for more shared carers to join the current group of about thirty. If you think you could help or would like further information, contact:-
Ann Taylor/Amanda Harriskine (children’s scheme) 01202 714640
Julia Groves (adult scheme) 01202 633649


-ends-


NOTE TO EDITORS
Shared Care Network is a national charity supporting and representing family-based short break schemes throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information e-mail sue.mennear@bristol.ac.uk

Julia Groves, Care Manager: (01202) 633649