Officially launched in December 2023, the South Eastern Trust’s Children’s Fostering Disability Project team cut the cake for its one year in providing monthly overnight short breaks for children across the area.
As part of its festive calendar, a ‘Quiet Santa’ evening was arranged as the man in the red suit visited Lisburn’s Market Square to spread some Christmas cheer.
Senior Social Worker Paul Teer shared how the team plan to expand the project as they enter their second year.
“The Children’s Disability Project was officially launched on December 8 2023 and throughout this year we provided two long term placements and a number of regular monthly overnight short breaks for our children in the community. Overnight short breaks have given parents a well needed rest and an opportunity to relax and recharge to enable them to continue to care for their child at home.”
Paul continued, “We are really excited about our plans to expand the project by recruiting and increasing the number of carers as we embark on our second year of the project. As part of our recruitment strategy we will be increasing our presence on various social media platforms to raise awareness of the need for overnight short break carers. Also, training and financial remuneration are part of the provision we offer to our all approved carers, as well regular social work support.”
David Trimble, a Social Worker from the Project added, “One of our short breaks carers has gone the extra mile and provided overnight support for up to a month on two occasions which, demonstrates their dedication and, the flexibility within the service in making a difference to our families.”