Caring for children
Appeal for short break volunteers
Offering a child an occasional night away from home is like throwing a lifeline to them and their family, according to one of South Lanarkshire’s short break carers.
The council have launched a recruitment drive for short break carers who provide the backbone of a vital service that supports families facing challenging circumstances.
Anne, a short break carer in the Hamilton area, has been offering children a break away from home for more than ten years, and she said: “I have one boy who has been coming to me for nine years and a wee girl who has just started. They only come one night a month or maybe once a fortnight, but I absolutely love it and so do they.
“One night does not seem like much, but after one of my children first came to stay, the grandparents she lives with got in touch to say it had been years since they had been able to have a night out together and it felt like winning the lottery.”
Short break carers are part of the council’s family placement team and are paid for their valuable work, and carers often fit this commitment around their employment. They are supported with full training when they start and on an on-going basis.
Anne said: “The training and support are excellent and I do really feel part of the bigger team. I had been considering fostering when I first heard about short breaks and it seemed like a route to work up to fulltime foster care. As soon as I started, I realised I could help three or four children and their families at the same time and I have not looked back.
“Through choice, I mainly have children with disabilities or other additional support needs and while that can mean a bit more work it is so rewarding. My own grandchildren or nephew come round to play with the children and have made some really firm friendships.
“You always get the chance to see a child before they are placed with you and assess whether you think it will be a good match. There’s only been twice in ten years when I have said no. On both occasions it was because I felt the children would need a setting with two adults, and I am a solo carer.”
Family placement team leader Eileen Leber said: “Short breaks is a vital service and has a huge impact on families. You can actually see parents and carers looking completely revitalised by just that one night off.
“Anne is a solo carer with a grownup family but our carers can be couples, younger people or families. In fact, anyone over the age of 21 can work with the family placement team to offer crucial short breaks – all that is needed is a room in your home and the enthusiasm and qualities necessary to give children and families some breathing space.”
The family placement team are currently recruiting for short break carers and can be contacted on 01355 806424 or familyplacementteam@ southlanarkshire.gcsx.gov.uk.
There is an open recruitment evening being held in Lanark Memorial Hall from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, September 20, where carers and support staff will be on hand to answer any questions.