South Lanarkshire Council is shining a light on a rewarding career opportunity.
Becoming a short breaks carer with the council can be a fulfilling career, and the authority has highlighted the experience of Caroline Findlay who loves the role.
Caroline initially entered caring as a volunteer with Convey Befriending which has been helping children, young people and their families across Lanarkshire develop strong and trusting relationships through befriending and mentoring.
She said: “I used to volunteer once a week. Building a relationship with an individual child and taking them on weekly outings was a great start to what has now become my career.
“It was fantastic to see just how much a young person can benefit from even a small amount of friendship and support.”
Short breaks is a service for families who need planned breaks – this could be grandparents who are the main care givers for grandchildren, parents caring doe children with additional support needs or young parents with no family support.
The help can be the key to keeping families together and preventing children from needing long term care.
Caroline opted for the role within the short breaks services, and she completed n enquiry form on the council’s website to learn about the role.
She said: “I was contacted by the short breaks team who discussed my experience and why I was interested in taking on the role. I then attended online training to learn more about short breaks and I have not looked back since.
“Watching the children become confident at my house has been a real privilege,”
Caroline explained. “They bring an energy and life to my home as we explore new activities together. Whether it is reading books or playing a variety of games, there is always something to look forward to every visit.
“However I also love getting out and about. Going on outings and trips and encouraging the children to pursue their own interests and create memories and positive experiences that I hope will last them, and me, a lifetime.”
The council is highlighting roles and looking for more people to add to the dedicated carers within the service to people who want to help vulnerable families by offering a short break.
Director of Health and Social Care, Soumen Sengupta, said: “Anyone who thinks they could support a family should get in touch with us.
“It doesn’t matter what your background is, if you have the warmth, time and commitment to care from a child, and you’re the right person for the job, that’s what matters to us and the children and families that you will be helping.”
If you are interested in this role, visit the council website to find out more.
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