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BROTHERS & SISTERS Are you the brother or sister of a disabled child or young person with additional needs or chronic illness and do you live in the London Borough of Bexley? If so then this page is just for you!! Brothers and sisters of children with additional needs are often referred to as "siblings" and it is believed there are around 2 million siblings in the UK. Siblings often have caring responsibilities for their disabled relative, and so another term that is used to describe "Siblings" is "Young Carers", although often they don't recognise themselves as carers because they feel that caring for their disabled brother or sister is "just something they do". Growing up with someone with additional needs can be very rewarding, but does have difficulties too. Some of the many difficulties that siblings have to deal with are: · Reactions and prejudices from other people towards the disabled brother or sister e.g. seeing them being stared at, called names or bullied. · Being bullied themselves. · Lack of information e.g. about the disability. · Feeling left out because the disabled child takes up so much of the parents' time and attention. · Feeling anxiety about the disabled child's health and wellbeing. · Feeling unable to share their feelings or concerns with their parents for fear of upsetting them. · Feeling guilty "why them and not me?" or when they feel angry or embarrassed by their disabled brother or sister. · Feeling restricted on family activities (having a disabled brother or sister means you can't always enjoy days out). SNAP Siblings Group We run two
sessions per week during term times on a Tuesday (4.30pm to 6.30pm for 9-13
year olds) and Wednesday (4.30pm to 6.30pm for 5-9 year olds) at Chislehurst
& Sidcup Grammar School. The siblings
group aims to give siblings a chance to relax, have fun and meet other young
people who have had similar experiences.
There is a combination of socialising, fun activities such as arts and
crafts, games, sports, cooking and group discussions. If you are interested
in knowing more about our siblings’ groups, please call us on 020 8311
6777 or email: activities@bexleysnap.org.uk Other local or national support for
siblings/young carers · Sibs is a national charity that gives support, advice and information for siblings. · Young Carers.net is a website dedicated to all young carers including those with a disabled brother or sister. · Bexley Moorings are a local charity who have a Young Carers' group for carers aged between 8 and 17 who live in the London Borough of Bexley. They also have a befriending service, you can be matched with a befriender who will take you out on a one-to-one basis, do different activities with you, and listen to any moans and groans you may have. You can contact them by phone on 020 8300 9742 or email: mailto:info@bexleymoorings.co.uk
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Registered Charity 1050054 |
