Local woman Judi Gibbons, who provides short break care for children with disabilities, is lending her support to Kirklees Council’s drive to encourage others to take up the essential role.

Originally from Mexborough in South Yorkshire, 54-year-old Judi, has been looking after children with complex medical needs for 12 years, giving birth parents a much-needed break from caring. This can range from a couple of nights a week, a weekend or a week or two during the school holidays.

Commenting on her role as a short break carer for Kirklees Council Judi said: “I used to be a nursery nurse for children with special needs so I already had a lot of experience in this field.

“Caring for a child with a physical disability can be hard work and you need plenty of training, but I didn’t see this as a barrier. The rewards make it all worthwhile – it’s an amazing feeling to see a child smile and know that you have made a difference. It really is the best job in the world.”

In 1999 Judi qualified as a professional respite carer which means she has the necessary skills to work with children with complex medical needs.

Looking after a child with a severe disability involves providing 100 per cent care for the duration of their stay. Typical tasks include administering medication, washing, feeding and getting involved in social activities.

Judi’s home in The Valleys has been specially adapted to ensure she can offer the best possible care. Financial support from Kirklees Council has allowed her to install a through-floor lift and build an extension to accommodate an upstairs bedroom, with adjoining bathroom and a downstairs toilet.

Even though Judi doesn’t have her own car, an allowance from the council means she can use taxis, buses and trains to take the children swimming or visit the local park and tourist attractions.

Judi said: “I wanted to give something back to society, so after talking it through with my family I decided to give it a go. As soon as we got involved we knew we’d made the right decision.

“My husband helps out with the cooking and cleaning and when our own children were living at home they’d also lend a hand. Since then we haven’t looked back.

“We now look after four children on a regular basis. One child in particular has been with us for ten years and many stay until they reach the age of 18, so whilst they are here they really do feel like they are part of the family.”

Single mum of five, 40-year-old Kate Seabridge, is keen to encourage others to take up the role. Her 11-year-old disabled son Archie stays with Judi for three days a month, giving her and her family a much needed break.

Kate, who lives just outside Holmfirth, said: “Due to the severity of Archie’s disability he is 100 per cent care dependent, which means you have to provide round the clock care.

“Allowing him to visit Judi means I can spend quality time with the rest of the family and get a good night’s sleep.

“There are certain activities we can’t do when Archie’s about, so being able to go on bike rides or take long walks means you can do things that make you feel like a normal family.

“More importantly, it’s reassuring to know that Archie really benefits from the time he spends with Judi. She makes sure they go out and do fun things together and sticks to his strict routine, which is really important when you’re caring for a child with complex medical needs.

“Judi is an amazing person. She is kind, incredibly efficient and I trust her implicitly. The service is a real lifeline for families who have a child with a disability – without it I know I’d struggle to cope.”

The pattern and length of the stay is determined by the child’s and family’s needs and what the carer can offer. Due to the intensive nature of the role Judi only looks after one child at a time and is able to ensure that this fits in with her own personal circumstances.

John Heron, carer recruitment manager at Kirklees Council, said: “Short break care really is an invaluable service for disabled children and their parents. There are many families out there who require this sort of support.

“Caring for a child 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be extremely challenging. It’s important that they are given the opportunity to recharge their batteries, catch up on lost sleep, spend time with other children or go away on holiday.

“Children with learning disabilities are also looked after under the short break scheme, which means very few carers need to undergo the intensive training which is required to look after young people with complex medical needs.

“People from all backgrounds can be short break carers, you do not need any previous experience – as long as you are willing to learn and participate in training anyone can do it.”

Judi acknowledges you’re not on your own, adding: “The support you get from the council is second to none, they’re there to help you every step of the way.

“I have regular contact with my link worker who helps me out if I have a problem I can’t deal with. It really is reassuring to know he’s there to help.

“If you want to help a child in need then becoming a short break carer could be the perfect role for you.

“Knowing you have helped a child make new friends, learn new skills and develop as a person – and also given their own families a well earned break – makes it all worthwhile.”

For further information on short break care visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/shortbreak or call 0800 389 0086.

http://www2.kirklees.gov.uk/news/onlinenews/newsdesk/fullstory.aspx?id=3609