At Hackney Family Backup we recognise that being a parent of a disabled child can be really demanding. You may have endless forms to fill in, or have a constant stream of hospital appointments to attend, you may have to provide a high level of care and support to your child, leaving very little time for much else, or you may worry that your child is being excluded from opportunities that other children have. Parents we meet have often told us that they feel very stressed and isolated.

If you are living in the borough of Hackney and are the parent or family of a disabled child or young person aged 0-17, you might be interested in finding out more about our services.

What is it?
Overnight care usually happens in the carer's home on a regular basis at a time that is convenient for all involved. Your child might go for one overnight stay a week or for one whole weekend every month.

How could my child benefit?
Going to stay at a different house can be a really exciting and positive experience that offers a chance for your child to build up new relationships and to access alternative environments that are safe, educational and fun.

Many of our carers have their own children and often new friendships have developed as a result of care.

Children are introduced to their carer (and the carer's family) slowly to give them time to get to know everyone and to make sure they feel relaxed and comfortable in their new surroundings. We ensure that carers are given all the training and information they require to meet your child's needs we make sure that your child is happy with the situation and that their choice is respected at all times.

How might I and the rest of the family benefit?
How you and your family benefit largely depends on your situation. It might be that you simply want an opportunity to have a break from caring to catch up with some sleep or maybe meet up with a friend or to spend some time with your partner or your other children. Many of the parents we work with tell us that they worry that their other children miss out on their attention. Having some time out can help to ease stress and tiredness and therefore help you and your family feel more able to cope with day to day life.

How do I apply?
Referrals for this service must come from the Children with Disabilities Social Care Service at Hackney Ark. A Social Worker will need to visit you to do an assessment of your family's needs before they can make a referral.

What is it?
Some parents, particularly those who do not get much Short Break support, find that what they really need is a bit of support in other ways. Perhaps they feel isolated, or they are concerned that their children lack the opportunity to make friends, or they find family outings problematic. This is where the Reducing Isolation project can help, with a range of different services. We have family support volunteers, who can provide an extra pair of hands for outings, appointments etc. We hold occasional big events, during the school holidays, such as parties, picnics and coach outings. These are free and provide an opportunity for the whole family to socialise with other parents and children in fun activities, with HFBU playworkers on hand to help with the disabled children. Then we have smaller, targeted events, at weekends, in the evening or in school holidays. These are occasional outings for a smaller group of families, which focus on a particular age group, or disability - for example, a bowling trip for young teenagers, a wheelchair-accessible barge trip down the canal. Parents can also come to our parent coffee mornings, many of which are themed, for example a craft workshop. And last, but by no means least, a monthly Saturday Family Club, aimed at families with older children & teenagers.

How could my child benefit?

There are many ways your child could benefit. With the help of a volunteer, or a small group, your child might enjoy the opportunity to try new leisure activities, make new friends, hang out with old friends and go to new places, things that you would struggle to provide by yourself.

How might I benefit?

You can meet other parents in a similar situation to yourself, share experiences and learn from each other, get the additional support to enable you and your family to access outings - with no-one judging you and your child, but just providing simple, practical help.

How do I apply?

Parents can refer themselves to any of these services. You can click here to complete the FS referral form. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a member of staff to find out more, please call us on 020 7275 0088.

HFBU have a Toy and Resource Library which is available to any family with a disabled child living in Hackney. We have a whole range of different toys, including sensory equipment, massage mats, musical instruments, Makaton puppets, books. We also have a small number of information books and videos on various subjects related to disability. If you would like to join the library, please give us a call on 020 7275 0088 to make an appointment to come and visit us.