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Volunteers to care for children in Herts required
Volunteers Week runs until June 7 and Hertfordshire County Council is highlighting the need for more volunteer carers to look after children and young people with disabilities.
Shared carers Lisa and Peter have four children of their own and also enjoy visits from Alex and Rebecca.
“We have a lot of fun when they visit and I know their families are very grateful for the time I am able to give to their children,” said Lisa.
“We have busy lives but shared care is ideal as visits can be fitted in around family life and Alex and Rebecca join in with whatever is going on. However much time people have got, whether it’s a couple of hours a week or a weekend a month, it will be appreciated by a family in need of support.”
Many families who have a child with a disability need an occasional break, and children benefit from visiting new places and meeting new friends. Currently there are about 130 carers helping about 150 children – and 50 more Hertfordshire children are waiting.
“Shared carers frequently tell us how they love helping children and recommend others to try it,” said Jane Pitman, Lead Member for Children’s Services. “Of course, looking after a child with disabilities can be challenging but shared carers say they get much more out of it than they thought possible.
“It takes the pressure off parents caring full time and it allows children to widen their world, visit new places and make new friends.”
You don’t need to have experience of looking after a child with a physical or learning disability as full training and ongoing support is given. Volunteers come from a wide variety of cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. They can be single or couples, working or not working, with children or without, and can be any age as long as they are over 18 (over 21 for short breaks).
If you would like to find out more call the County Council on 0800 917 0925 for an information pack or visit www.hertsdirect.org/sharedcare
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