Last updated 00:55, Thursday, 03 April 2008

To highlight the work of individuals and families who provide short term care for disabled children away from home, as part of Shared Care Week, Cumbria Children’s Services is hosting an open session at its offices next Tuesday, March 18.

Maryport couple Barry and Sue Shearman were awarded an MBE last year after fostering dozens of children over almost three decades

Shared Care is a nationwide scheme. Carers usually look after children with a disability for a weekend, a holiday or occasional overnight stays.

Recruitment officer for Cumbria’s Fostering Team, Susan Huntley, explained: “The aim is to match children with carers on a regular basis so that the child’s trust and confidence is built up.

“In this way the child benefits from making new friends and having different experiences, and the carer and their family have their lives enriched by the experience of caring for a child.

“While caring for this child the parents have a break perhaps to spend some time with their other children or simply to re-charge their batteries.

“Shared care is for children under the age of 18 years with disabilities, and their parents.

“If you are someone who enjoys being with children you can apply to be a carer for Cumbria Shared Care.

“You do not need expertise or experience with disability. Training, support and encouragement are provided by our team and the child’s parents. The approval and training process takes roughly three to six months and involves interviews with social workers, police and medical checks and the taking up of references.

“Carers and their families are carefully matched with the disabled child. Depending on the needs of the child, the suitability of the host family’s accommodation may also need to be considered.”

The open session on Tuesday at 15 Portland Square in Carlisle is an opportunity for people to find out more about being a shared carer.

Staff will be on hand to answer your questions from 10am until 1pm, but if you are not able to attend there are plans to make the open sessions a regular event.

Susan added: “We decided to run the open session following on from the success of a special open day we held in Carlisle to find people with the ‘X factor’ needed to become a foster carer. It was a great success.

“If you cannot make the open events we can come out to talk to you. Anyone interested can give us a call and we will be delighted to chat about what being a shared carer or foster carer means and answer your questions.

“Caring for a child with a disability can be demanding, but enjoyable and fun too.

“The rewards include seeing the delight on a child’s face when they visit you and their satisfaction when they learn something new.

“Your family will also benefit from establishing a positive relationship with a disabled child and gaining confidence with disability and disability issues.

“Carers do receive a contribution to their costs and expenses.”

• For more information about your local scheme, or to book a place at the open session call 01228 607078.