GIVE SOMETHING BACK

Looking to give something back in 2008? Want to feel like you're actually making a difference?

You could help a Hackney family have a happier new year by training to become a short break carer for our local charity.

We need fun, friendly and reliable people to look after disabled children and give their families a much-needed break

All you need is a little space, a little time and a big desire to make a genuine difference.

We offer full training and support and a paid allowance that does not affect benefits.

For more details and an informal chat call Chris or Elizabeth at Hackney Family Backup on 020 7275 0088, or email Christine@hfbu.org.uk.

Hackney Family Backup works to improve the lives of disabled children and their families. We are a well established charity known for providing quality short break care and family support. We are registered as an Independent Fostering Agency.

Short Break carers provide care for disabled children on a regular basis either in their own home or in the child's home or sometimes by taking the child out to local play or leisure facilities. This can be a really positive experience that offers new social opportunities to the child whilst allowing the parent to take a break or spend time with other siblings. Care might happen in the daytime, evenings or overnight.

Frequently asked questions about being a short break carer:

How do I become a short break carer?

All our short break carers are assessed by HFBU staff. The assessment process takes between 3-6 months and usually involves the carer meeting with a member staff about 6 times. The assessment is quite detailed and will, amongst other things, look at your past experiences of providing care to children, either as a parent, volunteer or paid worker. The process will help to identify the skills and abilities that you already have and the areas where you may need more support or training. If you are to be providing care within your own home, the assessor will also want to meet the people you live with. Once the assessment is written up, you will have a chance to see it before it is presented to our independent fostering panel (who meet 4 times a year) who will decide whether to approve you as a carer.

Do I need experience of working with children?

You will need to have some experience of caring for children to be a short break carer, although you don't need any formal qualifications. Some of our short break carers start off as a Family Support Volunteer (FSV) and therefore gain some experience of working with children in this way.

Is there an age limit for being a carer?

The minimum age for short break carers is 18; there is no upper age limit.

What training will I get?

Before you begin any care work, you must attend two days induction training, which prepares you for your role as a short break carer and explains what is expected of you and what you can expect from HFBU. You must also attend training in Child Protection, Health and Safety, First Aid and Food Hygiene.

We have regular training on a variety of related subjects (see our training page) and you are welcome to attend any that interest you. We will discuss with you any training that we feel is appropriate to your particular role eg if you were working with an autistic child, you would be expected to attend our autism training day.

Do you carry out police checks on short break carers?

Yes. Before you can begin care work, we will need to successfully carry out a police check, a social services check and a detailed medical check. Please note that having previous convictions, involvement with social services or health needs will not necessarily stop you from becoming a carer. Your assessor will also meet with the two referees you have named to take up references from them.

How many hours each week will I provide care?

This depends largely on your availability and the needs of the family. However the average time is between 4 to 6 hours per week, though this can be used differently. For example, some families prefer to have one weekend per month rather than 6 hours per week.

Is there a minimum length of time I should be a short break carer for?

We ask our short break carers for a minimum of 2 years care work.

Do I get paid?

Short break carers receive a care allowance of £6 per hour for the first six hours and then £3 per hour after this (or £52 for overnight care). This is not taxed and doesn't affect any benefits. It is meant to cover the cost of care e.g. meals provided for the child or a contribution to household bills etc.

Do I need experience of disability?

You do not need disability experience, as full training will be given. However, many carers gain some disability experience as a FSV before becoming a carer.

What support can I expect from Hackney Family Backup once I'm caring for a child?

You will be allocated a "linkworker" at HFBU who will be your main point of contact at the office. You will meet with your linkworker for supervision every 3 months as well as receiving informal telephone support. Should you have any questions, worries or concerns, staff are available for extra support at your request, either by telephone or in person. You will also have access to HFBU's Toy and Resource Library.

In order for us to ensure that you are receiving adequate support and training to provide good quality care, we also carry out two monitoring visits per year for each child you are working with and one unannounced visit. You will also have an annual review each year to support your development.

How many children will I care for?

Carers normally work with just one or two children over an extended period of time. This is important as trusting relationships take time to build. However there is no specific limit on how many children you can care for and this is largely dependant on your availability. The decision will be discussed with you during your assessment and the final decision will be made by the fostering panel.

Will I meet other carers?

We hold regular volunteer and carer group meetings to give everyone a chance to meet each other and share experiences and make new friends. We also hold a social event at least twice a year for all our volunteers, carers and families that of course, you will be welcome to attend.

How old will the child be?

We work with children who are between the ages of 0-19 years old so there is a wide range of ages.

How do I apply to be a short break carer?

Click here to complete the online application form. Once we have received your form, a member of staff will call you to arrange an informal interview.