WHO CARES ??

Sir Ron Norman is climbing Ben Nevis to celebrate his 80th birthday. Who cares?

He will take the opportunity to raise awareness and support for a group of people with precious little to celebrate- the family carers. Who cares? They do!

Karl's Mum cares !! Karl was born with Cerebral Palsy and a hole in his heart which, at times, has made him quite poorly. He finds it very difficult to communicate verbally which often leads to him becoming frustrated. Due to his heart condition, the slightest of infections can cause major complications and result in him spending time in hospital. Tragedy has struck the family in recent times when Dad was involved in a major road accident resulting in both legs being completely shattered. He is now undergoing many complicated operations in an attempt to reconstruct his legs. The family have recently been informed that, should the next operation be unsuccessful, dad will have to have both legs amputated. He is completely bed bound and spends all his time in the living room. Life is very difficult for the family at present, in particular mum who is caring for two people with high levels of support needs. 

Hartlepool Families First support Karl and his family with an intensive package of support, including an alternative social education during the daytime, evening youth clubs and weekend social support. The interventions help Karl in developing his independent living skills, social interactions with other people as well as enjoying his life and having fun. Whilst Karl is receiving support from Hartlepool Families First, mum can spend time with her partner undertaking his caring needs. 

Harry's Mum cares !! Harry is a little boy who accesses Hartlepool Families First's services afterschool and during school holidays. He has Downs Syndrome and his behaviour can be a little challenging at times. His mum has her own physical disability as she was born with Cerebral Palsy and has limited movement in her legs and arms. Looking after Harry (and his younger sister) can be very tough, especially when his behaviour is poor. 

The team at Hartlepool Families First are not only highly trained in dealing with special and additional needs, but also skilled in managing difficult behaviour. During sessions, they work with Harry on better behaviour. This is then reiterated with mum when she attends some of their Tots Time sessions with Harry’s little sister. Mum receives practical support in terms of advice and behaviour management skills, and also emotional support from her peers for what is sometimes a chaotic and stressful life. 

James's Dad cares !!  James and his dad have recently started using our services. James has delayed development and no formed speech. He makes sounds and gestures to show you what he is after. James is a very active little boy but can become frustrated and upset when people don’t understand him. The family were coping with James themselves very well until recent months. Then mum was diagnosed with cancer at a relatively young age. Her illness developed at a very fast pace and mum sadly passed away after suffering for some time. The family’s world has been turned upside down. Dad is juggling a thriving and growing business, elderly parents who have their own care needs, a teenage daughter and James with his complex needs. Dad has all of this to deal with as well as coming to terms with the loss of his wife.

Hartlepool Families First provide some short break care afterschool two nights and on a Saturday so that dad can have some time to do the house chores and have a few hours to himself. 

WHO CARES ABOUT THE CARERS?? I DO! YOU DO!

GIVE THEM A BREAK! Let's buy a holiday home, somewhere convenient on the North Yorkshire coast. Let's fill it with food. Let's provide volunteers to cook and clean every day. Let's give the Carers and their family a holiday. Surely, for one week of the year we can ease the burden on the carer. 

Who cares?

You care - so please make a donation now

Thank you, Ron Norman