Sibs update March 2020
A word about the current situation
This is a difficult time for everyone. But we know that for siblings who already carry worries about their brothers and sisters, this time of uncertainty is extra challenging.
During this time, please know that Sibs is here for support and information. Do follow us on Facebook and Twitter so we can share the latest news and ideas. We will get through this by supporting each other and staying safe
Support for young siblings
Do encourage young siblings to check out our website specifically for young siblings aged 7-17 which has a wealth of information, tips and a safe moderated chat forum. Each month we post a mini blog on current issues. Check here for more information www.youngsibs.org.uk
Indoor activities for young siblings
Each day for the coming weeks, we will post ideas of activities on our social media for young siblings at home. If you have missed them so far do check out the links here:
Adult Sibling Day 2020
Thank you so much to those who were able to join us for our annual day, this year in Manchester. The day was informative and supportive. Lots of helpful exchanges and mutual support links were made. From the comments we have received, we know how important it is to have opportunities to meet other siblings who “get it”. We are looking forward to the next one!
If you weren’t able to be there, we are working on a web page to give you a flavour of the day – we will let you know as soon as the page is ready.
In the meantime, do catch up with Prakash’s story, one of our brilliant speakers.
Direct Payments and paying family members
Steve Broach, a barrister specialising in disability law, has written this article about family members being paid Direct Payments during the Corona Virus outbreak. If the local authority deems it necessary, it is possible to receive payments as a family member. See his advice here.
Contact with Family Members
We know that reduced contact for many adult siblings at this time is causing lots of concern. Some helpful information written by the Challenging Behaviour Foundation discusses reduced family contact during the pandemic.
Sibs in the press
If you missed it, do check out the brilliant Guardian piece by journalist (and Sibs’ Trustee) Saba Salman, who speaks honestly about not being able to visit her sister Raana because of Covid-19.
National Sibling Day
National sibling day is on 10th April this year. We are using it as a day to celebrate siblings who have a disabled brother or sister. We would very much like to share stories, photographs or drawings on our social media, so that the important role that siblings place in the lives of their brothers and sisters is recognised. If you would like to help or send in your contributions, do get in touch at info@sibs.org.uk
Sleep survey
University College London (UCL) in consultation with Sibs and The Sleep Charity, have launched a survey for siblings aged 12-25 to look at the impact of sleep difficulties and the part it plays in loneliness. We would like to encourage as many siblings as possible to complete the survey to better understand the issues for siblings. UCL are giving away 10 £10 amazon vouchers, so do encourage young siblings and young adult siblings to complete and they may receive a voucher.
Become a Friend of Sibs
These times are uncertain for small charities like Sibs who rely on training and events to bring income into the charity. This isn’t going to be possible for some time. If you would like to support the work we do and help us to continue to be here for siblings who need us, you can become a Friend of Sibs for £24 per year (or £12 concession). If you can help us in this way, we would very much appreciate it.
Please take care. Stay safe.
Clare Kassa
Chief Executive, Sibs
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