CARERS are desperately needed in Liskeard, and elsewhere, both to offer respite care to families with disabled children, or to come forward as foster parents.
Respite carers, and foster parents, are totally separate issues, but in both fields there is a current dearth of people coming forward to offer their assistance.
The issue of respite carers has been highlighted by the family of Ryan Morgan, of Liskeard, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Ryan is well cared for by his mother, Rachel and father, Paul, during the week, and his grandmother, Christine Thompson, at weekends. However, they would like to be able to leave him with a respite carer occasionally, such as during the holidays, or when Mrs Thompson has other family commitments. She described her grandson, who will soon be seven, as 'a gorgeous little boy, who is always happy, and never gets angry.' She added: 'He is always singing and loves music.'
Six weeks of holiday are coming up, though, and now and then Mrs Thompson needs to visit other family members, so she said it would help if there was someone who could look after Ryan when the need arises.
She said: 'If people are worried about helping with a disabled child, they needn't. They give so much love.' The family stressed there are many others, in the same position as they are, who would benefit from respite carers, and urged people to volunteer.
Foster care respite carers are also required, and a national campaign is to begin stressing the benefits of this system, which is used for children who need a home for short breaks such as weekends, holiday periods or just overnight.