The Northern Health and Social Care Trust are asking people to “give a little time and make a big difference” to the lives of children with disabilities and their families.

The Trust’s Sharing and Caring Scheme encourages ordinary people to help transform the lives of children with a disability and their families by providing regular short-term care. This can be from a few hours a week to an overnight stay.

Short break carers provide opportunities for children with a disability to have fun, meet people and gain independence away from their families. Carers are encouraged to involve the children in ordinary family activities at home and outside – playing games, reading books, going to the park for walks and shopping.

Short break carers also give the child’s parents a regular break and a chance to do things that are difficult when caring for a child with a disability.

Connor Patterson from Newtownabbey benefits from short breaks with his carer. His mother Olga said,

“Connor loves going to Marilyn’s, he loves her to bits and her sister ‘Margo’ and Poppy the dog! He talks about them all the time. I find the break absolutely brilliant, it’s great – it gives me a chance to plan something with Holly, his older sister, it means she’s not excluded and we have time for her.”

Connor's carer Marilyn Walker from Belfast said,

“I really enjoy having Connor for respite, we do things together like go out for walks, listen to music and sing. I get a lot of it; i feel very privileged and lucky. I admire Connor’s parents so much, it’s very hard work bringing up a child with a disability and they are very grateful for the break.”

There is no such thing as a typical short break carer. They may be single or with a partner, with or without children, young or older, working, retired or studying.

Carers do not need any previous experience as training support and expenses will be provided to help people take on this rewarding and challenging role.

The Sharing and Caring Scheme Co-ordinator for the Trust, Alison Adair, said,

“Being a short break carer does not have to be a major commitment, but it can make a huge difference to the lives of children with disabilities and their families. What’s more, carers find it extremely rewarding. If you can spare even a few hours on a regular basis, then there are families in your community who need your support. Getting a regular and reliable break from caring provides a lifeline to parents. They can relax, recharge their batteries or spend time with their other children, knowing their child is in safe hands and enjoying their time away from home.

Carers get tremendous satisfaction from their role, parents enjoy a break and the children benefit from new experiences. Everyone is a winner!”.

To find out more about becoming a short break carer please contact: Alison Adair or Linda Guthrie on 9331 5114 for the East Antrim area; June Caskey on 028 2563 5640 for the Ballymena and Antrim areas and Julie McCloskey on 028 7930 1700 for the Mid Ulster area.

Connor Patterson pictured with his carer Marilyn Walker and her sister Margaret Dowey during a recent day trip for carers to Crosskeenan Animal Sanctuary, Antrim