Sharing the care

Christine Jones with her daughters Lauren (14) (front) and Charlotte (8)

THIS week Share the Care Week aims to recruit 7,000 new short-break carers for disabled children and their families.

Oldham Family Link Scheme, part of Oldham Fostering Service, is taking part in the campaign and hopes to recruit more people able to provide regular short breaks for disabled children in Oldham.

The borough desperately needs new carers who can provide overnight and weekend stays. BEATRIZ AYALA spoke to one Chadderton family and carer about the benefit of a helping hand.
A PERFECT match is how Christine Jones describes carer Barbara Law who has given the family a helping hand over the past seven years.

Christine (48), from Chadderton, said the whole family benefits when daughter Lauren (14), who has autism, spends a few hours a week socialising with Barbara.

Now the mum-of-four is encouraging other Oldhamers to come forward and be a potential lifeline for families.

She said: “We were after someone who could take Lauren out and help her access different social activities, which was a problem for her.

“Working full time and having a young family meant we just couldn’t do that with Lauren, but we felt she would benefit from getting to know new people and getting used to different social settings.

“Social workers were initially a bit sceptical as to whether they would be able to find any suitable volunteers.

“But Barbara was our perfect match and has been with us for seven years.”

Every Thursday, Barbara picks up Lauren from school and the pair go for a meal before Lauren takes part in a fun activity, from trampolining to ballet.

Christine said: “The outings are great for Lauren, they have helped improve her communication and social skills and she gets to mix with other children in different environments, rather than just school and home.

“And I use that time to spend with her sister Charlotte (8) and give her my sole attention.

“The time apart also reduces stress and gives us space from the hustle and bustle of family life.”

Christine said more local people should sign up to become carers and enjoy the benefits of spending time with children with disabilities.

She said: “Barbara is wonderful, she’s like another grandma to Lauren.”

Mrs Law and partner Richard Scarborough said they will carry on providing care for Lauren as long as she needs it.

A social worker at Acorn House Fostering Agency, in Oldham, she said: “I get a lot of satisfaction from looking after Lauren, she’s very sociable. And it feels more like having a best friend rather than someone I care for.

“People should become carers but they need to realise its a real commitment, not something to take up and then leave after a few months.”

The Oldham Family Link Scheme provides short breaks for disabled children, by linking them with a carer who can look after a disabled child in their own home on a regular basis.

However, the service is in desperate need of carers to provide overnight and weekend care.

There are currently 11 children in Oldham enjoying short breaks, but there are three disabled children who are waiting for a carer.

The children are aged from five to 14 years old and may have physical disabilities, learning difficulties, epilepsy or autism, or have Downs Syndrome.

Mair Felix, Family Link co-ordinator, said: “We are specifically looking for people that can offer overnight care so anyone who has a spare bedroom and is interested should contact us.

“If people are interested but aren’t sure if they qualify, they can call us for a chat.”

n Family Link carers are ordinary people of all backgrounds. They must enjoy children’s company and be able to give time on a regular basis to look after a disabled child and put their needs first. The approval process usually takes six months.

Anyone who can offer their time as a carer should call 0161-770 6540. For more information visit the website at www.sharedcarenetwork.org.uk.