Why do people choose to share their spare time with disabled children from their local community?

In the middle of a busy life, it is all too easy to lose sight of the benefits to be gained from taking part in a well-run voluntary scheme.

Rose Brown is a mum and grandmother with a full-time job. She tells how she still finds time to be a short breaks carer for Newport Disabled Children's Team and why it is a part of her life that she wouldn't be without.

"We got involved as a family about nine years ago. My husband was a student and did some work for the summer playscheme and it started from there. Once we had decided to make the commitment to offer short breaks, we went through the assessment and the checks and started having children to stay."

Rose says that she didn't mind the fact that the scheme workers took references and made thorough checks.

"You have to expect that if you are going to look after other people's children."

Rose is now linked to three young people ranging in age from eight to 18. Chris is the youngest and has been visiting since he was five. He stays two nights per month.

"Chris is into everything. He loves the park, and he loves buses!" Chris's mum Jackie really appreciates the break which she gets when he stays with Rose. "It's really helpful, a godsend," she said.

Christine is 14 and has been staying with Rose on and off for five years. She is very fond of Rose's cat, and joins in with all the family activities, although she also likes to spend time quietly playing with her Gameboy or watching TV.

Christine has a learning disability and was also recently diagnosed with diabetes, which she is learning to manage very successfully. Rose helps her to choose healthy foods and Christine enjoys learning to prepare meals and go shopping.

Nathan has been staying with Rose for nine years. Since he turned 18, Rose has transferred to the Supported Lodgings scheme which is also run by Newport City Council to care for him, and in this way has been able to give him good continuity of care.

"All the children are different and I enjoy the variety," says Rose. She says that the workers at the Short Breaks Scheme and Supported Lodgings have given her good support.

"You have to know that you are taking on a long-term commitment, but you can also decide on the amount of time you have to offer: I am lucky because my job is flexible."

Most Short Breaks Carers take on just one link, and fit it into their existing commitments.

For some, this is a great introduction to caring for children, and can open lots of new doors into other aspects of caring. Some, like Rose, continue their commitment to individual young people into supported lodgings arrangements.

What are the benefits for Rose and her family?

"The sense of satisfaction is enormous - seeing the children grow and develop and knowing that you're helping the families as well. We have a lot of fun and I can't imagine not having the children around now."

If you would like more information about the Short Breaks Scheme, please contact the Short Breaks Organisers at:

Disabled Children's Team, Floor 3

Royal Chambers, High Street, Newport. Tel: 01633 235250.

For more information about Supported Lodgings or other aspects of fostering, please contact:

Newport Fostering and Adoption Team, The Corn Exchange, High Street, Newport. Freephone 0800 5878208 for an information pack.