A VITAL Barnardo's Cymru service is launching a recruitment drive next Tuesday, the International Day of the Disabled Person.

The Pembrokeshire Family Link Project is looking for people who can offer a helping hand to disabled children and their families in Pembrokeshire.

The scheme was set-up 18 years ago to expand the horizons of disabled children with contact outside the home, while providing a break for the family.

This year, 60 children are enjoying regular breaks with link carers, one of them being Angharad Edwards, of Lawrenny, who has a condition called Cerebellum Ectopia, which has left her with very limited speech and severe learning difficulties.

Her mum, Elizabeth, was at the end of her tether when she was put in contact with the Pembrokeshire Family Link project six years ago.

As Angharad found it difficult to communicate, she would frequently become frustrated and physically aggressive and, invariably, it was Elizabeth who was on the receiving end of the attacks which eventually wore her down.

But, thanks to her health visitor, who told her about the project, they met carer, Chris Tegg, with whom 14-year-old Angharad now enjoys spending a respite break every Wednesday night.

Single mum Chris was looking for a job that would fit in with bringing up her three children when she heard about the project through a friend 13 years ago.

"The beauty of being a carer is that you can fit in with your other commitments," said Chris.

"You work from home, decide exactly how many days you want to do and what sort of disabilities you feel able to cope with," she explained.

"I started off looking after one little boy on a Saturday and built it up from there. At the moment, I am looking after five children a week, but I still have three nights off, including a Saturday, and I could always cut down if I thought it was getting too much. The work is very flexible.

"Although being a carer can be very demanding, you also get a lot out of it," continued Chris.

"It is very satisfying to see how Angharad has come on over the years and the progress she has made. For anyone who is thinking about becoming a carer, I would urge them to give it a go, it's a very rewarding job."

The project is now actively seeking carers who feel they have the time and commitment to build a supportive relationship with a disabled child and their family,

"Caring qualities are more important than qualifications," said Deirdre Connell, of Barnardo's.

"We want people who enjoy spending time with children and have patience and understanding. A link carer becomes a special friend to a child with disabilities and an important part of his or her life."

Carers include single people, couples, families with children still at home and couples whose own children have left home and feel able to share some of their time with a disabled child.

The project is also particularly keen to attract young people interested in gaining experience as a volunteer.

Visits can range from a few hours once a week after school to a regular overnight stay or a weekend break, and each link is flexible to suit the family or carer.

The project also arranges support workers and volunteers to take the young people out to activities such as scouts or swimming.

"It is not all about giving; the children give a lot back as well and carers say the scheme is very rewarding," added Deirdre.

People interested in taking part in the scheme will be offered training and assessment before carefully being matched with a young person.

Anyone who thinks they would like to give a child new opportunities, and has time in their family routine or own schedule, should call Family Link on 01646 687064.