A Plymouth based service providing support to families and carers of children with disabilities.
Our aims are to support all family members, to set up much needed services, to inform and empower carers, to influence policy makers and fund holders in order that services are needs led and improved and hopefully alleviate some of the isolation and anxieties felt by carers, many of whom care for their children with little, if any, help. Our support also extends to young carers within the family who may care for a disabled sibling, parent or other family member.
Why the community needs usFamilies with special needs children feel intense isolation because of the lack of respite and leisure opportunities. For those caring for these children life is both physically and mentally exhausting. It is not only the parents or adults who do the caring but many young people spend all of their leisure time in a caring role loosing much of their childhood.We provide social, leisure, information and education activities for every member of each of our families.
Our impact on the communityOur activities and sessions offer a support network that ensures that families do not reach crisis point and the only opportunity to socialise in a relaxed manner without having to constantly be watching and caring for their child. These sessions have been described as 'a life saver', 'the one thing that stopped me from having a nervous breakdown' and 'the place I do not need to keep apologising'. The young carers have said they feel valued and safe.
Volunteers are required to help facilitate social and leisure opportunities for young carers aged between 5 and 21 and integrated family activity days for families with disabled children.
Volunteers will all be required to undertake an enhanced CRB check, and all necessary training will be provided.
Ideally volunteers will have experience and knowledge of families and young peoples needs with particular emphasis on disability.
Most activities take place during school holidays and week ends.
