A new campaign being launched in the borough is asking people to make a difference to the lives of disabled children and their families by becoming short term carers.

Launched by Ealing Family Link Scheme as part of national Share the Care Week (20 – 26 March), the campaign aims to recruit people who could provide regular short breaks for a child with a disability. This can be for any period from a few hours to a weekend a month.

Short term carers help families by providing badly needed opportunities for disabled children to make friends and gain new experiences. At the same time their parents get a break from caring full time.

Alison Blake, of Ealing Family Link Scheme, said “We want to encourage more people to come forward. Being a short term carer isn’t a huge time commitment but it does make a huge difference to children and their families. What’s more it’s very rewarding.”

Short term carers can be young or old, part of a couple or single, employed, on benefits or not. Carers do not need any experience of disability; they will receive training and support. They are also paid an allowance for their time.

For more information, an informal chat or to apply to be a carer then contact Ealing Family Link on Freephone 0800 731 6550.