Making friends - sharing care - having fun
Dear Carer,
Do you ever wish to
have some time to yourself – take a relaxing weekend
break, visit friends or have a proper holiday in the sun without the
need to constantly look after your child?
Does your child -
maybe a teenager, maybe an adult, but still living at home with you -
ever get bored or lonely and long for a good friend of their own age to
have fun with – someone of similar ability who shares their feelings and
interests?
A Friend for Life
is a new partnership formed by experienced carers and parents to provide
mutual short breaks between families on a shared, equal basis for
periods from a weekend to a fortnight. Whilst our children and young
people all have different kinds of support needs, we aim to match
families with children of similar age, backgrounds and interests. Our
mission is to help both you and your child find reliable, flexible
support and friendship….this year, next year, and for as long into the
future as you wish to continue.
The matching
service is completely free, but of course like any social network it
works both ways. If you wish to join
A Friend For Life you must
be willing to share the care and provide support to another young person
in your own home. All you need is a spare bedroom and the ability to
look after another young person overnight.
You are in complete
control of all the arrangements. You can meet and talk to your matched
family first before you make up your mind, and you can choose times and
dates for the exchange that suit you both.
Please register
your interest in joining our 2008 exchange programme. There is no limit
on the numbers of families taking part, but of course we cannot
guarantee to find you a perfect match right away.
To register an interest, or find out more with no obligation, please email us or leave a message on our voicemail number 0709 2898288.
Kind
regards,
Rob Kay and Jane
Taylor, co-ordinators