by Gráinne Connolly
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is asking local people if they would like to welcome a person with a learning disability into their home.
The Home from Home - Shared Cared Service is one of a number of services organised by the Trust's Short Breaks Adult Placement Team, aimed at giving carers a break.
Angela Murnion is the Short Breaks Adult Placement Manager for the Southern Trust.
She's explained the programme:
"Most families who have an adult with a learning disability need an occasional break from caring.
"Adults with a learning disability also benefit from the chance to make new friends and enjoy new experiences which isn't always easy when they have additional needs.
"Shared care is a family-based service that provides short breaks for those individuals with a mild to moderate learning disability through specially recruited carers known as host families.
"Host families offer care in their own home and this can be anything from a few hours a week to overnight breaks.
"Individuals with a learning disability may take part in family activities like cooking, walking, shopping or going on outings."
"Every placement is different and is arranged to suit the preferences of the family and their guest."
Below is a video put together by the Southern Trust which shows a host Bronagh and her two children along with Sarah and Robert who she brings into her home to give their carers a break.
It's clear to see from the video both Robert and Sarah enjoy the visits as much Bronagh and her family.
Anyone can be a host family as extensive training and support is provided on an ongoing basis.
If you're intersted in becoming a host family - even if you have no experience caring for someone with a learning disability but think you could spare some time, the Trust would love to hear from you.
Below is the appropriate contacts:
Angela Murnion Tel: 028 3025 6790 or Sharon Humphries Tel: 028 3756 4533
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