They have asked carers to be mentors for other carers??

[lisad123]

Had an email asking if I would be willing to mentor another carer!! Seriously, I can't get the help I need for the three people in already care for, am entitled to no respite from this LA but they want me to help them do a job they wouldn't certainly do for free!!

And that's just it, isn't it, Lisa? The concern that they would use this for support instead of other more confidential and possibly beneficial counselling or in place of respite? It's cost cutting IMO and not designed to be in the best interests of the parents involved.

Hey I've just had a thought.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could get the support services you really needed from the LA without having to jump through hoops. Wouldn't it be lovely for them to come along from time to time and ask if you need anything, or the kids need anything and point us in the direction of getting what we needed or even possibly provide it! We wouldn't need voluntary services then, charity handouts and do-gooders, we would be strong and supported and making our way in the world and our children would be happy, safe and independent.

It sounds similar to the befriender I had from barnardos when DS2 was a baby. She was brilliant. She did things like research the pros and cons of different things DS2 needed eg buggy board or buggy pod to fit on the SN buggy, things we might be entitled to etc. However her DS who has SN was an adult and living away from home in supported living so she had the time. I would like to do something similar one day but when the children are much older. It is crazy to think you could do this now, when you need help yourself. And a cheek to ask you as well.

There is a model for this type of scheme which has been set up by the national charity Scope.
Details here

This type of scheme itself is very successful, but I agree it is probably best if it is not run by the LA, as they are usually the cause of many parent/carers grief.