Shared Care

Shared Care is a service run by Bradford Council offering short breaks to children with complex disabilities and health needs and consists of a team of approved carers – people like you, who play an important role in the lives of disabled children and their families. By offering to care for a disabled child, Shared Care carers give the families of disabled children and young people a much needed short break and the chance to relax. They also give disabled children the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy new experiences. Who is it for? Shared Care gives the people with disabilities who use the Scheme the opportunity to meet new people, have fun, try new activities and gain independence. At the same time families get a welcome break from caring. Children and young people aged between 0 to 18 years who meet the criteria can be referred to the service. How do I access it? Access to the service is currently via a referral by the child or young person’s Local Authority Social Care Worker. Shared Care - the service that can make a difference In the Bradford district, many families live with a disabled family member. Living with someone with a disability has many positive aspects, but can be tiring, lonely and demanding - their special needs may mean they require lots of care and attention. The Shared Care scheme consists of a team of approved carers who can play an important role in the lives of disabled children and their families. They can give the families of disabled children and young people a much needed short break and a chance to relax - even if it's only for a few hours at a time. They can also give disabled children the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy new experiences. Below are a few examples; “David is like one of the family. He has a good sense of humour and enjoys participating in the activities we do. If he is unhappy about something he is able to express this.” "Joe is eight years old and has autism. He enjoys watching his favourite DVD’s, going on trains and to the park. However, he can sometimes get frustrated if plans change unexpectedly. Once a month after school on a Friday Joe goes to stay with Angie and John, his link carers. He stays with them until Saturday evening. This means that Joe’s mum can spend time with his brother whilst Joe enjoys his favourite activities with Angie and John" "Imran, aged 14, has Downs Syndrome and epilepsy. He goes to his link carer’s house for tea after school once a week. He also visits them fortnightly at weekends, usually on a Sunday and for a few days during the school holidays. When he’s with his link carers, Imran joins in all the activities. Although he has a few tantrums, he’s much calmer than when he first went to stay. With two daughters and another son to look after, Imran’s parents are glad to have a break. It means they can visit friends, get things done and spend time with their other children. Shared Care makes a big difference to Imran and his family". "Sarah is aged 12 and has physical and learning disabilities. She uses a wheelchair and is also fed by a gastronomy. Sarah goes to stay with her link carer Ruth for the weekend once a month. Ruth has been trained to give Sarah her feeds and to use a hoist to move her around. Sarah and Ruth often go shopping together or stay at home and cook and play games. Sarah’s mum and dad have a chance to catch up with household tasks and spend time with each other as well as visiting family and friends".