Sixth former helps in quest for carers : Cumbria County Council

Tom Little, a sixth form pupil from Netherhall School in Maryport has given his time and expertise to help Cumbria’s Family Placement Teams in their effort to increase the number of people volunteering to help on one of their fostering schemes. Tom spent several days in the recording studio at Netherhall School recording and editing a video to encourage people to get involved in the Shared Care Scheme.

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services explains what the shared care scheme is all about and why the video is important to the campaign. He says,

“The Shared Care scheme provides respite care to local children with disabilities. Not only does it enrich the life of the child when they experience new people and situations, but it also allows parents to have a break, perhaps to spend some time with their other children or simply to re-charge their batteries. It is an important initiative to support vulnerable people in local communities.

The video is part of a new campaign to raise awareness for Shared Care and to encourage more people to get involved.”

Tom is a keen musician with computer technology skills and found the task of compiling and editing the video no problem at all. Tom was very willing to help saying,

“My family foster so I know from first-hand experience how important it is and how much we need people who are willing to help children and their families in this practical way”.

Rachel Bushby, Cumbria Family Placement Team says,

“Tom has been brilliant. There is no way we could have achieved half of what he did without expensive professional help. The video looks fantastic and I really think it will encourage more people to find out about the Shared Care scheme.”

The Family Placement Team is also running a competition to design a poster on the theme of disability. Anyone between the ages of 11 and 14 can enter. Entry is free and there are some great prizes to be won! For an application pack, call (01228) 601537.

Anyone who enjoys being with children, whether male or female, single or married, and have time to give, can apply to be a carer on the Shared Care Scheme. Experience with disability is not essential as Cumbria County Council’s Family Placement Team gives training and support. For more information, please call your local Family Placement office: