For Leann Robinson, the best part of her role is hearing about the bonds that build up between the families and carers that she works with.
Leading the Share the Care team, Leann and her team work to match families who have children with disabilities with carers who can provide short breaks. The whole experience can be life-changing for everyone involved.
“Hearing about the young people and how much their confidence grows, and listening to how proud a Share the Carer is about the achievements a young person has made, is really rewarding, explains Leann. “Quite recently this was about how a young man had used speech during their time together. I also like to hear about the brothers and sisters of young people receiving Share the Care and what they have enjoyed about time with their families when Share the Care is being provided.”
Leann’s team works closely with families to identify what their needs are and to find a carer who will be able to support them from a few hours a week to overnight stays. A large part of her job is making sure there are enough Share the Carers available within the local community, which is why she is attending the Musselburgh Communities Day at the Brunton Hall from 11am-3pm on Saturday 10 September.
'Strong relationships'
Share the Carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds but are united in a desire to help support families. It’s a paid role with extensive training and support. Leann and her colleagues work with Carers at every step from deciding to apply through to being matched with a family and beyond. “When we get a match right between a Share the Carer and child or young person, we are usually involved in their lives for a significant number of years,” says Leann. “During this time relationships grow stronger, which is needed as life for both Share the Carers and Families can get difficult at times. Having strong working relationships helps us all to navigate through difficult times.”
This Summer, Share the Carers were instrumental in a series of Family Activity Days for children with disabilities who cannot access the Can-Do playscheme. Whole families were invited to participate in activities together. For some families, this is a rare opportunity to attend something which includes the whole family, allowing siblings to enjoy activities together with siblings.
“We all enjoyed seeing each member of the family having fun, from mum and dads trying out the quick arrows, to brother and sisters designing shopping bags or jelly fish in the craft room, to children mixing some potions with the sensory play and some lucky people got to have hand treatments too,” said Leann.
Appeal for carers
Demand for the team’s services is high which is why Leann is appealing for more Share the Carers to come forward, particularly those who can provide overnight stays. This time is so important for families but also gives the young person time to explore new activities and develop new friendships in a different environment.
Leann is passionate about the difference Share the Care can make for carers and the families who use the service: “We work closely with our Share the Carers throughout the caring journey. We provide them with support and learning and development opportunities to help them develop the knowledge and skills required to keep a child or young person safe, but also to thrive at what they do. They also tell me they get to have the best fun with children and young people! I’d encourage anyone who may be interested to get in touch with me and our team to have a discussion about next steps. We’d love to talk to you!”
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ShareTheCare
