Make a break for disabled children (From Penarth Times)

Make a break for disabled children

BARNARDO'S Cymru Community Links service in the Vale is appealing for readers to help make this a happy new year for disabled children and their families by becoming a short break carer.

The service is looking for families, couples or individuals in Barry, Penarth and the wider Vale who would like to invite a disabled child for regular visits, day trips and overnight stays.

The appeal is part of the national Changing Lives campaign which aims to encourage more people to take the step of becoming a short break carer.

The project is looking for a further eight short break carers as there are 20 children on a waiting list for a service in 2005.

Short break carers get the pleasure of spending time with a disabled child and give them the chance to make friends outside the family home.

At the same time, the child's family is given a chance to recharge their batteries and spend time with other members of the family.

Sarah Bowen, Barnardo's Cymru Community Links children service manager, said: "We believe that many more people would come forward if only they knew about the need. There are some 20 families of disabled children in the Vale whose lives could be changed by having regular support from another family or individual.

"People who become short break carers get a huge amount of satisfaction out of looking after disabled children.

"We are looking for people from all ages and backgrounds who can give a small time commitment on a regular basis. People do not need any experience as they receive training and support. They are also paid an allowance for their time."

Last year the Barnardo's Cymru Community Links service had more than 60 link arrangements where children visited another family for tea or stayed over night on a regular basis.

In addition the service offers'leisure time' taking disabled children on activities or days out, and a'sitting service' is available to give parents time out. It also works with disabled children and their families to make sure they have opportunities to get involved in all sorts of inclusive leisure activities.