A WEST Sussex service that helps the parents of disabled children take a much-needed break for a few hours is seeking more than 40 volunteers across the county.
West Sussex County Council Sitting Service gives parents some time off by arranging for volunteers to provide care for about four hours every fortnight at a time that is convenient. This could include evenings or activities during the day.
Jess Elliott, Sitting Service Co-ordinator, said: “We need 45 volunteers throughout West Sussex to make a big difference to a family with a disabled child by giving up a small amount of their time, about four hours a fortnight.
“Providing full time care for a child with disabilities can be exhausting and parents need a chance to recharge their batteries from time to time.”
But it is not only the parents who benefit, said Jess. The Sitting Service is also a rewarding experience for both the volunteers themselves and the children they look after.
For example:
· Karl has Down’s syndrome and loves to go swimming. He has a brother and a sister who lead fairly independent lives – but life can be quite hectic, especially after school. That meant Karl spent a lot of time indoors with his mum … but he now has a Sitter friend to go swimming with him.
· Daisy has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. Her mum is a single parent who enjoys going to the gym or to the shops without pushing a chair. Daisy loves people talking to her and enjoys watching the trees blow in the park … a Sitting friend is now making a big difference to them both – by taking Daisy out for a walk, so giving her mum a break.
· Jake is autistic and gets very anxious about going out and doesn’t like the shops. However, he enjoys the park when no one else is there – he loves rough play and bouncing his ball.
Jake has a Sitter friend who spends time playing with him and doing his favourite things.
“You do not need specialist qualifications or specific experience because full training is given in first aid, child protection, health and safety, communicating with disabled children and general disability issues,” said Jess.
Pat Arculus, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “If you can spare just a few hours to sit with a Karl, a Daisy or a Jake, I would urge you to get in touch with our Sitting Service and find out how you can be part of this valuable scheme.”
If you would like to make a difference then please contact Jess Elliott 01243 642318 or Doreen Bradbury 01243 642462.
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