Share the care

Picture yourself as a carer for children with disabilities; join Debbie Carey and make a big difference to the lives of disabled children and their families.

The search is on for local people to come forward and provide short break care for children with disabilities.

A national campaign, ‘Share the care week’ has been launched this week, supported by local foster carers who are urging people to join them in making a big difference in the life of a disabled child and their family.

Short breaks is the support service most commonly requested by families of disabled children. It offers regular opportunities for families with disabled children to take a break from the demands of caring and offers children enjoyable breaks away.

Debbie and John Carey, from Middleton, have been providing short breaks to six children with physical and learning disabilities for three years now and are backing the campaigns.

At Rochdale Borough Council, carers who provide this short break care, such as the Careys, are known as multi-link carers as they’re linked to a number of children providing individual breaks throughout the year.

Debbie Carey said: “We’ve been multi-link carers for a number of years now and have found it such a rewarding experience. We desperately need more people to join us and help make a difference to the lives of disabled children and their families.”

Nationally, research by Shared Care Network – The Short Breaks Charity suggests that whilst 10,000 disabled children and families are currently receiving short breaks another 10,000 could benefit if enough carers could be recruited.

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Rochdale Borough Council said: “We need more people to come forward as multi-link carers and look after a disabled child for just a few hours a week, or dependant on how much time you have to offer. If you picture yourself as a foster carer, please get in touch and help families across the borough.”

As well as the need for multi-link foster carers, the council still has a need for residents to come forward for all types of fostering. Across the borough, local foster carers are starring in advertising as part of the ‘Picture this’ campaign – which aims to show the many fostering moments that can be created as a carer.

Anyone who would like to find out more visit:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/fostering

Or call 01706 922422