Share The Care Week

If so East Sussex County Council wants to hear from you.

As part of national Share The Care Week, ESCC Children's Disability Short Break and Fostering Service is renewing its appeal for people who can offer new experiences and friendships to children with disabilities.

The Service aims to link a disabled child and his or her family with an approved short-break foster carer.

ESCC Lead Member for Children and Families, Councillor Meg Stroude said: "This really is an invaluable service as it provides families with a break and the child with fresh opportunities outside the family circle.

"The carers we are looking for can be men, women, single parents, couples, people from all ethnic backgrounds, but they must have one thing in common - a genuine desire to share the care of a child with special needs."

Care can range from a few hours to overnight stays in the carer's home. The appropriate level of care is agreed between the carer, the service, the child and the family with sessions normally taking place at weekends, during school holidays or after school.

Short break carers are required to undertake a Foster Carer Assessment and training and support are offered. They will be asked to provide references and equiries will be made to the Criminal Records Bureau, health and local authorities. All carers are approved by the County Council's Fostering Panel.

The Short Break and Fostering Service is open to children with long-lasting and permanent disabilities up to the age of 19. That disability might be a learning disability, a physical one, sensory or developmental difficulties, or a diagnosed medical condition.

Cllr Stroude said: "There's no doubt that being a short break carer does mean commitment and energy but caring is a tremendously rewarding job which usually generates as much satisfaction for the care as for the child and their family."

Anyone who wants more information should contact the service on 01323 762024, or email [email protected].