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 0-19, 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. Alternatively your child might not stay overnight but might go to a carer's home for a few hours after school each week or during the day.

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 Hackney Social Services Children with Disabilities Team, or from the social worker at the Donald Winnicott Centre. 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?
Sometimes, it is more convenient for a child to be cared for in their own home. This might be because the child has a lot of medical equipment that it would be impractical to move about, or because the carer doesn't have enough space in their own home. Mostly this type of care happens in the day or evening although occasionally the carer might do overnight care in the child's home.

How could my child benefit?
Your child might really enjoy having a visit each week from a person who has come specifically to spend time with them. The carer might bring exciting new toys to play with or organise a fun activity to do, or alternatively they might take the child out to the park or the cinema or somewhere else that they would really enjoy.

How might I and the rest of the family benefit?
As before, how you and your family use your time depends largely on your circumstances. We hope that it will give you some free time to use as you wish, knowing that your child is safe and having fun.

How do I apply?
Referrals for this service must come from Hackney Social Services Children with Disabilities Team, or from the social worker at the Donald Winnicott Centre. A Social Worker will need to visit you to do an assessment of your family's needs before they can make a referral.

All our carers are assessed under fostering regulations by our independent fostering panel. Once approved, carers receive ongoing training and support from HFBU. Carers are recruited from the diverse communities within Hackney so care can be sensitive to children's religious and cultural needs.

What is it?
Some parents find that what they really need is an extra pair of hands to help out at particularly busy or stressful times. This is where our Family Support Volunteers (FSVs) can help. FSVs work alongside parents; they do not look after the child by themselves. They can offer support to help the family get out and about, to accompany them to a hospital appointment or to offer creative playtime to the child at home whilst the parent gets on with cooking dinner.

How could my child benefit?
Your child might benefit in a number of ways. It might be that with the help of another adult, you are able to take your children over to the park - something that was previously impossible by yourself. It might be that your FSV comes once a week bringing with them new toys and games to keep your child entertained.

How might I and the rest of the family benefit?
Again, you can use your FSV in a number of ways to help make your family's life a bit easier. Your volunteer might give you some spare time each week to get on with some household chores, spending time with other siblings or just relaxing! Your volunteer might help out with trips to the supermarket or the leisure centre or the hospital. Maybe your FSV will simply be a friendly face who you can sit and have a chat with.

How do I apply?
Any person can make referrals for this service. If you are interested in having an FSV who can work with you and your family, or you know a family who would like an FSV, click here to complete the online FSV 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. For more information, please also see the section on Family Support Volunteers.

What is it?
Since September 2006, HFBU have been running a monthly Family Club on a Saturday afternoon. The Family Club is aimed specifically at families with children who are aged between five and twelve years old, who display behaviour that is challenging or difficult to manage. Many of the children who attend have autism or ADHD, although some have more general learning difficulties with challenging behaviour. Brothers and sisters of the child are also very welcome, so long as they are aged between five and twelve years old.

How could my children benefit?
The club offers an opportunity for the children to get involved in different play activities with the support and supervision of play workers. Typical activities might include football, basketball, art and craft activities and outdoor play.

How might I benefit?
Parents meet for most of the afternoon in a separate space from the children and have a chance to talk with other parents in similar situations in a mutually supportive and relaxed environment. Ongoing family support and advice is available from HFBU staff both at the Family Club and on an ongoing basis.

Later in 2007, we are intending to offer a programme of training which will aim to develop skills and confidence in managing children's behaviour. We will be asking parents about the types of training that they will find most valuable.

How do I apply?
Parents can self refer their families for the Family Club. If you are interested in finding out more, please call 020 7275 0088. We will send you a referral form for the club and some additional information. Alternatively you can download the referral form online.

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.