Family Link Carer Profiles
Sue & Andy
Sue and Andy have been Family Link Carers for 18 months. They care for two children (aged 8 and 14) at one weekend per month each, which offers the families of both children a regular and consistent break. They also look after a third child (aged 11) for a 5-day block during the main school holidays which is mainly used to provide activities and outings
Sue and Andy have two children of their own (aged 10 & 12) and have found that the family link placements have helped to expand not only their own, but also their children's experiences of life: "The children who stay with us have such a lot to offer. Even though 'D' can't talk, it's amazing how much he can communicate and how much fun he has. Being Family Link carers has been beneficial for all of us."
Could you be Family Link carers like Sue & Andy
Paul
Is a single male carer who has been approved since 2004. He provides daytime placements mainly for autistic teenage boys, though he has also worked with younger children with a variety of disabilities.
Paul has a gentle, warm and very calm personality, which has proved to be a real asset in the care he provides, as the young people respond to him in a very positive way.
Paul says: "It's not always easy, but my Family Link supervisor visits me often, which is great because it's important to check that I'm doing the best I can for the lads I care for".
He adds: "There's a lot of training on offer and it's so valuable. I've discovered so much about disability and, amazingly, about myself too. If anyone asked me whether they should consider being a Family Link carer, I'd say 'go for it!'"
Could you be a Family Link carer like Paul?