New carers can give parents break

Councillor calls carers who give parents a break "astonishing"

An organisation that gives parents of disabled children time to take a break from care duties is looking for help.

Family Link Short Breaks, a Northamptonshire County Council unit, is looking for more temporary carers.

The carers look after children with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to gain new experiences while their parents take a break.

"This service gives disabled children a chance to make new friends and broaden their horizons," a spokeswoman said.

Cabinet member for children and young people Joan Kirkbride said: "At the same time, their parents have some time off to themselves and possibly the chance to spend quality time with any other children they might have.

"The difference these carers make is astonishing."

Diverse backgrounds

There are currently 90 Family Link carers in the county, providing short breaks to more than 118 disabled children, but some children are still waiting for a placement.

Family Link is currently looking for carers who can provide at least two to three overnight stays each month, the equivalent of one weekend a month.

Carers come from a diverse group and their ages, culture and circumstances vary greatly.

They can be married, single, have their own children and even have limited child care experience.

Carers can either work full time or be retired.

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