HSC recruits short term carers

Tuesday 04 February 2020

Adults in Guernsey who have some time to give - even if it's just a few hours a week - are being encouraged to become a short break carer for children with disabilities and their families.

Health & Social Care is looking to expand the scheme, which gives families a range of options from taking a young person out for a couple of hours to regular overnight stays with a carer.

"Schemes such as this are extensively used in the UK," explained Family Placement Service Social Worker, Vicki Tennant. "They can make all the difference to a family, allowing parents of children with disabilities to do some of the things which most of us take for granted, such as getting to the shops, giving their other children some attention or just winding down and relaxing once in a while.

"The children will benefit as well, with a change of carer who will give them some time and energy and broaden their world. We know that there are many children and families who will be able to benefit from short break care and therefore are currently looking to recruit more carers."

Pictured: Short break care is a type of foster care in Guernsey.

The team is looking to recruit people to assist in all areas of short break care, but particularly those who can help during school holidays and on weekdays.

"I was approached to look after a very complex young lady," explained one short term carer. "At first we didn't go out as she was reluctant to. I would pick her up from school and take her home where we would play. I would assist her with a bath and give her dinner before her parents arrived home.

"Over time, we have built up a trusting relationship and are not able to go out and about. We go into a variety of shops and also for long walks, go to the park or local events, which she really enjoys. In the early days we were unable to do this as she would refuse to walk and if we entered a shop she would become distressed as she didn't know what was happening or how to behave.

"I think she looks forward to our time together as this is always quality time which we spend and she is the main focus. I spend 2.5 hours a week, which isn't much to me but makes a huge difference to her. To see how far she has come is amazing!"

Anyone that's interested in getting involved can contact the Family Placement Service on 713230 or email change@guernseyfostercare.com.