Oldham Family Link Scheme
Give a little time…make a BIG difference!
Could you spare some of your time caring for a child with disabilities?
Oldham Family Link Scheme needs ordinary people to provide regular short term breaks for disabled children and their families.
What is the Oldham Family Link Scheme?
The Oldham Family Link Scheme provides short term breaks for children and young people with disabilities, by linking them with a carer who looks after them for short periods of time in their on own home, on a regular basis. This can range from a few hours a week to an overnight stay, weekends and/or occasional full week.
The children who need short breaks may be autistic, have a physical disability, a learning difficulty or sensory impairment.
Having a family link carer can offer an opportunity for a child with a disability to make new friends, develop some independence, broaden their horizons and enjoy new experiences.
Families can use the time to ‘recharge their batteries ‘and spend time doing ordinary things such as going for a meal, shopping and spending quality time with other members of the family, including other children.
Interested? Read on:
Could you become a family link carer?
What can the Oldham Family Link Scheme do for you?
Will I get paid?
How will I know if I can cope?
How do I apply?
What happens next?
Don't just take our word for it, here's what our carers say:
"Being a family link carer is like borrowing a little family and having the pleasure of taking them out, knowing that the children's parents are having time for themselves".
"The rewards are enormous and you can do all sorts of silly things you would not do if you didn't have children - like going to the circus".
We hope we have answered most of your questions. If you need more information, please contact the Family Link Team on 0161 770 6540 or email familylink@oldham.gov.uk