For Flexicare children…
the Flexicare sitter is a grown-up friend who is not their parent, teacher or medical professional, but is there for them and their needs with no distractions.
Are YOU a Flexicare sitter?
Flexicare children are hugely varied in their abilities and so are our volunteers! Are you interested in sitting for us? You may have previous experience in looking after disabled children (as a nurse, teacher or relative), or just want to build amazing relationships and learn new skills. Sitters need a sense of humour and the ability to think like a child; to run, play, sing, dance and have fun without inhibitions. You also need to be able to sit quietly and listen or observe; to set firm but gentle boundaries; and to think outside the box. We provide full training (including a DBS check) and support before, during and after a sit.
“Working with volunteers, and being a volunteer, gives me great pleasure and a sense of pride.”
Tracy
Double-up sitters
We understand the prospect of looking after a child with additional needs can be daunting. For that reason, some of our volunteers choose a “double-up sitter” role – these sitters accompany other sitters for families where there is more than one child, or where the needs of the Flexicare child mean a second pair of hands is needed.
New volunteers attend at least three “double-up” sits accompanied by one of the Flexicare Coordinators. After that, you can choose to stay as a double-up sitter only, or to undertake unaccompanied sits. However you choose to sit, support is always available by phone; before, during or after a sit. When, where and how often you sit are all decided by you.
Not all our volunteers sit…
If you would like to volunteer for Flexicare in other ways, please get in touch! You can help out at our fundraising events, host a family event, provide supplies. Whatever you can offer, contact us; we would love to hear from you.
“It has been such a pleasure and an honour to work with so many amazing families and a joy to work with successive energetic and committed volunteers and Coordinators.”
Alex
