Could you help to share the care for a child with a disability?

Wed 18th April 2018
Shared Care Image

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is looking to recruit new carers for disabled children, providing short break or longer term shared help for their families.

The council is keen to hear from people who would like to become a shared carer for a child or young person with a disability, helping their families to enable them to reach their full potential.

This could mean giving parents a break by looking after the child for anything from a few hours a week or a regular weekend stay in the carer’s own home, or providing longer term care for children with a range of needs.

The council provides a range of support and carers will receive an allowance.  Additional payments may also be available, reflecting the needs of the individual child.

Ideally carers will be over 25 years old, with room to accommodate the child’s needs.

Dave Glenville, the council’s fostering team leader, said: “If you have patience, understanding, a good sense of humour, are open minded, good at communicating, able to advocate and to learn and be committed to meeting disabled children’s needs, then we would love to hear from you.”

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education, said:  “This is a real opportunity to support a disabled child or young person, by helping to share their care with their families.  It is hard work, but brings with it the reward of knowing that it is making a big difference to some of the children who need it most.”

An information event for people who are interested in caring for a disabled child will be held at The Treasure House in Champney Road in Beverley, HU17 8HE on Tuesday 24 April from 5.30 to 7pm.  There will be an opportunity to talk to social workers, meet carers and find out more about the free professional training which will be provided.

More information is also available by ringing (01482) 396469 for a chat, or emailing fish@eastriding.gov.uk.  For updates and news, follow East Riding Fostering on Facebook.

Just Beverley