Care scheme to ease burden

5:26pm Monday 3rd March 2008

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Fifty local disabled children will benefit from a campaign which aims to solve Hertfordshire's shortage of volunteer carers.

Share the Care week, starting on Monday, will encourage volunteers to look after children with physical or learning disabilities for a few hours a month.

Currently, 130 shared carers look after 150 children - but 50 children are still on the waiting list.

Andrea Rhymer said her 12-year-old son Ashley "counts down the days until his next visit".

She said: "We've been so lucky with the Shared Care scheme, knowing he's with a family we can trust.

"It gives me time to do things that other people take for granted, like shopping, and spending time with my 17 year-old son.

"It gives Ashley the chance to go and socialise with other children, so we all benefit from it."

Rob and Beverley Jennings, Ashley's shared carers, added: "We love having him and it's a treat to take him out."

County Councillor Jane Pitman, Lead Member for Children's Services, said: "It would be wonderful if we could find enough shared care volunteers for more families to benefit.

"Parents get a rest from caring full time, and it helps the child make new friends, gain independence and widen their social circle: opportunities which are often unavailable to disabled children."

Shared carers come from all walks of life. No special experience or qualifications are needed, and the council provides training, support and a generous allowance.

To find out more, call 0800 9170925 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/sharedcare