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Huntingdon family helped by Family Link Service
Cambridgeshire County
Council’s Family Link
Service is a short break
service for families who
have disabled children.
The service links a family
to carers who can help
share the care of the
child by welcoming them
into their home.
Janet lives in Huntingdon
and has been a Link
carer for over 20 years.
Janet said “Link appealed to me
and my husband Terry because it
gave us the opportunity to help disabled children and their
families in a way that fits well with our own lifestyle The chil-
dren we care for take part in family occasions and we take
them to social events we’re invited to”.
Alongside working 4 days a week, Janet has been caring for
16 year-old Tia, also from Huntingdon, for two nights a week
over the last nine months. Tia is unable to speak, but a
strong bond has built up between her and Janet, allowing
them to communicate effectively.
Staying with Janet gives Tia the time and opportunity to en-
joy all her favourite activities. “Tia loves taking long baths,
playing with noisy toys and watching her favourite cartoon.
She responds really well to sensory experiences and loves
having a ride in my convertible car with the roof down.”
Tia’s mum Tracy also benefits greatly from the time Tia
spends with Janet. Tia wakes frequently at night and is up
very early in the morning, so her mum needs regular breaks.
Tracy also has three other children at home, including seven
year old Nicole (pictured) and the respite care offered by
Link allows her to spend more quality time with them.
Tracy said “I feel very confident leaving Tia to stay with Ja-
net and Terry and I know Tia loves spending time with them.
Whenever we walk past she tries to pull me towards their
house because she wants to see them”.
As a Link carer, Janet has cared for children with a wide
range of needs and receives special training for each individ-
ual child. However, there are still challenges involved in the
role.
Janet explained “You have to be able to cope with being
completely responsible for a disabled child in your own
home. Potential carers should also be prepared for a rigor-
ous assessment, but this is a necessary part of the process
and is really important to ensure that you are right for the
role”.
“There are huge benefits to being a Link carer and you can
work the hours that suit you. So if you have any spare time,
come forward to find out more.”
Cambridgeshire County Council are currently looking for
more people to become Link carers and are particularly keen
to hear from anyone with experience working with children
with disabilities. Carers are paid an allowance, take part in a
comprehensive training programme and receive ongoing
support. For more information please call 0800 052 0078 or
visit
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering
.
Left to right: Link carer Janet
with Tia, Tracy and Nicole
