Sibs, the UK charity for siblings of disabled people, has launched the first ever UK wide online service for siblings of disabled children. YoungSibs will provide young siblings with much needed information and support whilst they are growing up with a disabled brother or sister.
The YoungSibs service has information about disability, dealing with feelings and family life, and tips for coping with difficult situations. It has a letters section for siblings to receive personalised responses to their questions, and a safe chat area for young siblings to talk to other young siblings in the UK. There is also a sibling group chat area for local sibling groups to keep in touch.
‘We hope that this new resource will help many young siblings feel that they are not alone and that they have a place to go for help with the many real challenges they face every day growing up in a family with a disabled brother or sister. Siblings of disabled children have more worries, and more responsibilities than other children of the same age, and often have to take second place in families where the main focus is on the care and support of the disabled child. Sibs acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of these siblings and our new service aims to provide them with ways of coping better, to help them find support when they need it and to improve their wellbeing.’ Monica McCaffrey, Chief Executive, Sibs
YoungSibs is supported by The True Colours Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Rank Foundation
To find out more visit www.youngsibs.org.uk or email youngsibs@sibs.org.uk
