Linford Christie is backing this year's Share the Care Week (19-26 March) by stressing the urgent need for more Black and Asian families and individuals to provide short breaks for disabled children - and he's supplied the voice-over for a new training video on the best ways to recruit them.

"Short breaks provide wonderful opportunities for disabled children," he said.
"They give them the chance to make new friends, visit new places and gain greater independence.  They give their families a bit of breathing space and the chance to do things that might be impossible with the disabled child.  There's an urgent need for more Black and Asian carers, so I hope that plenty more will come forward during Share the Care Week."

Short breaks are the support service most frequently requested by the families of disabled children, but there is an urgent need for more carers. Nearly 10,500 children currently benefit from short breaks, but over a third as many (3,500) are still waiting to be linked with a carer.

Short breaks are usually provided in the carer's own home, and can be anything from a few hours a month to a weekend every fortnight.  Training and support are provided, and expenses paid.

"Wherever possible, short break schemes aim to place Black and Asian disabled children with carers from similar cultures - it means that their new environment is still reassuringly like home," says Candy Smith, Chief Executive of Shared Care Network, the national charity promoting short breaks for such children.
"During Share the Care Week we're launching our new DVD, to help short break schemes recruit more Black and Asian carers. "

"Elena adores her carer and her carer's children.  She looks forward to her next visit, and is becoming more independent. And I get a full night's sleep!" Mother of mixed race daughter who has short breaks with a black carer

"I enjoy observing the determination and growth in the child I look after. It is a worthwhile opportunity to help others." Black carer aged over 60

For further information, and details of local short break schemes, contact Shared Care Network on 0117 941 5361, or see www.sharedcarenetwork.org.uk /ends

setting up interviews with Black or Asian families or carers in your area:
contact Pat Simmons or Candy Smith on 0117 941 5361 the launch of our new training DVD on recruiting more Black or Asian carers:
contact Michelle Walker on 0117 941 5361