Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is inviting shoppers to find out more about the work of the family placement team and short break carers when they man a stand in the town centre next Thursday March 23.

The short break care scheme is a new support care service run by Bracknell Council's family placement team. It offers children and families, dealing with issues of disability or family crises, the right to live normal lives.

The short break care scheme will be launched in April and a recruitment drive, for people with the time to spare to help support families in need, is currently taking place.

Alex Walters, Assistant Director of Bracknell Children's Social Care, said: "The scheme is designed to give families the chance to meet new people, develop social networks and to provide the children with an enjoyable and stimulating experience. The support element gives families breathing space and taking a child out of the family home for a short period can help prevent family breakdown and children coming into care unnecessarily.

"Arrangements would be totally flexible and could be one-off or more regularly on a weekly or monthly basis to suit your own commitments. Being a carer could involve having a child stop over for tea after school once a week, supporting a child in an activity at school or offering weekend break or days out to swimming or to other leisure activities."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This is a very important new scheme that can help the community. If anyone is interested in finding out more and willing to help support the scheme I would urge them to come along to the open event."

If you are over 21 and would like more information on the short break care scheme pop along to the stand in Charles Square next Thursday or contact: Susan Williams, Short Break Care Scheme Coordinator on 01344 351582 or email

Bracknell Forest Borough Council