Give them a break: fostering in Peterborough

Give a little time and make a big difference to disabled children and their families

Peterborough City Council’s Family Link scheme are encouraging more people to offer short breaks to a disabled child, giving parents a regular break from caring, and says there is a real need for more short break carers in the area.

Claire Watts, Family Link Co-ordinator for the city council, says: ‘We have several families currently offering Link care in Peterborough and would like to double the number by the end of the year. Children involved have a variety of disabilities and can benefit from spending time with a carer, meeting new people and trying new things in a safe and caring environment.’

‘Helping families in this way is really rewarding and satisfying. When the child is with you they become part of the family…’

It’s not only the children who benefit. ‘At the same time, parents get a much-needed break. Caring for a disabled child is incredibly rewarding but sometimes demanding – short breaks can have such a positive impact on the whole family.’

Karen and Neil Shayler are both Link carers in Peterborough and offer care for children aged 0-18 for up to 10 nights a month. Karen says: ‘Helping families in this way is really rewarding and satisfying. When the child is with you they become part of the family and you are not only helping them, you are also helping their parents. Parents sometimes need that break to recharge their batteries and have a bit of time to themselves. I would strongly urge people to consider being a carer in this way.

All carers receive a high level of support and ongoing training

It can also be a rewarding experience for your own family as well.’ Parents of children who are helped by the scheme say it makes a real difference and it is reassuring to know their children are in safe hands. Link carers need to be 21 or over, be able to make a regular commitment to the scheme and have room in their home to look after a child. There are no specific qualifications required but personal qualities such as patience, understanding, enthusiasm and commitment are all important assets of the role as well as having a good sense of humour.

All the carers receive a high level of support and ongoing training with regular visits from an allocated social worker and the Family Link Co-ordinator.

For more information please telephone 01733 391941 or 01733 317427. Alternatively, email or visit wwwpeterboroughfostering.co.uk