“A friend told me about Flexicare. I emailed the Flexicare Manager and even that was so cathartic – explaining our son’s needs and the lack of available help to someone who really understood.”
Flexicare Parent
Who?
Flexicare provides a free, flexible sitting service for families with a disabled child aged between 0 and 18 years and any siblings up to the age of 14.
Children we support have a wide range of disabilities, usually with complex mobility, communication and safety awareness needs. The vast majority of our children attend specialist education settings.
Each child is unique and assessed individually, but some indicative diagnoses include (but are not limited to): Angelman Syndrome, Autistic spectrum disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Cri du Chat Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Fragile-X Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Prada-Willi Syndrome, Smith-Magenis Syndrome and others that are undiagnosed/SWAN (syndrome without a name).
Where?
Flexicare families are based across Oxfordshire, from Standlake to Wheatley and Bladon to Wantage, as our area map shows.
Sits can take place in your home, or out and about – the local park, inclusive play centres, wildlife centres, zoos, shopping.
“We were delighted to discover Flexicare, who have been wonderful in their support for our family. They are an organisation based on kindness and care, and always go above and beyond!”
Beatrice, Flexicare parent
When?
For each registered family, Flexicare staff will sit for up to four hours at a time, two or three times a month, on any day of the week (Sorry! Flexicare don’t provide sits on bank-holidays).
What?
Flexicare will sit for any non-work-related reason – a night out with your partner; to attend a medical appointment; going shopping; exercise class– Flexicare can cover that. Flexicare staff also support siblings with play, homework support, home/school transfer.
“Flexicare has supported my son (and me) since he was 2 years old. They are like a family to us and really are great support; very flexible and always try and help.”
Claire, Flexicare parent
How?
*PLEASE NOTE* We are very sorry, but unfortunately, we are currently (September 2023) at capacity due to a shortage of volunteer sitters. If you would like to join our waiting list, please contact us as below, or visit us again in the future.
If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer with us, please see our volunteering page.
Anyone can refer a child (aged 12 years or under at the time of referral)– parents, friends, school or medical staff. Contact us by phone or email (click here for contact details) for an initial discussion, explaining any diagnosis and needs your child has. Following this, a visit will take place in your home with you and two Flexicare Coordinators, to determine how Flexicare can support you and to discuss next steps.
