In their own words

I have total confidence in the sitters when I go out and leave my child. The service is a lifeline to us. Parents on the Sitting Service

I absolutely loved the time that i spent at the playschemes, the staff were great and the youngsters were amazing - great fun. Volunteer

I have no family to help and Barnardo’s has been a lifeline. I could not have coped without them. I cannot say strongly enough the importance they hold in my life. Parent

I love my Barnardo’s. Ross (aged 12)

A good support - support very significant when child was young, helped a lot with family's situation as daughter had a rare condition. Parent

It was initially challenging and interesting when trying to communicate with the children but very rewarding and fun as well. Volunteer on Playschemes

My child has gained, he enjoys being out and meeting people and it gives him a sense of independence Parent

I definitely like play schemes, especially outings to the park, swimming, playing outside and going to Jungle Kids. Child on playschemes

Applying what I have learned at the training nights has granted me some moments I will never forget. One such moment came last year on a playscheme. I was looking after one little girl who had no form of verbal communication and little or no physical movement either. We had some percussion instruments and fibre optic lights to give audible and visual stimulation but nothing seemed to be working. Try as I might: no reaction. Then by accident, I pressed a button on a little electronic organ and it sprang into life; a silly tune that repeated itself over and over again. But there was the reaction I had been looking for! She had smiled when she heard the music. The tune was one that fast become an irritation to others in the group and I was left wondering what to do next. So, heart in mouth, I put some words to the tune and sang them for her. The result? A shocked look from the play scheme leader and a little face that lit up with a smile from ear to ear. She laughed, she giggled, she completely changed. That is what makes it all worth while Paul, Volunteer

The project is a great support to new families, helpful, informative, support on the long journey that is living with a disabled child. Parent

It is about your brother or sister with special needs and its fun, exciting and you learn new things. Sibling, speaking about the Sibling Group

Support is excellent, know that I can phone up and speak to someone, Dave and the other staff who have been at project a long time really know their stuff; drop-in mornings have also been a great support, they feel like a family and no-one judges you as everybody is in the same situation. Parent