By giving a little time, you can make a big difference to the quality of life of local children and young adults, with Gloucestershire County Council's Family Link Plus scheme.
FLP has been providing families in Gloucestershire caring for their disabled child the benefit of short breaks for over 25 years. An essential chunk of time not only for the family to take a breather and attend to important tasks, but to help support the children’s social and emotional development through new experiences, friendships and skills.
This valued service is available for children and young people referred to GCC Fostering by the Disabled Children’s Teams, or from the wider Children’s Services.
The short breaks take place within the child’s home, your own home, or in the local community and vary in duration and activity.
For example, there's day care, offering regular breaks that range from an hour, to several hours per month; overnight stays that take place at your home and range from one to several nights per month; and community-based outings, with educational and recreational activities in a wide variety of locations across Gloucestershire.
And the council is always looking out for those who could offer a loving, secure environment in which disabled children and young people can thrive, with desirable traits including: a positive attitude; likes spending time with children; enjoys new experiences and learning; and has patience and commitment.
Of course, if you have experience of caring for a disabled child or vulnerable adults, you might have valuable skills that will help you understand the needs of the children — but this is not essential when applying, as you will receive extensive training as a carer.
You will also receive competitive hourly rates of pay; travel expenses; 24-hour support, including out of hours; regular support meetings with other carers; and much more.
Foster carer for GCC Fostering's FLP, said: 'The support from the Family Link Plus team and the rest of the GCC Fostering service has been brilliant! The training is comprehensive, including first aid, life support, moving and handling and any specific training that the child you are linked with might require
'We also have a regular local support groups where you catch up with other FLP carers and also receive insight from visiting speakers.'
GCC Fostering welcomes applicants who are over 21, from any ethnic background or gender and regardless of whether you are single or a couple.
For more information, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/familylinkplus, text FOSTER to 60060 or email familylinkplus@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
