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Updates from Sibs - the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults.
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Sibs update June 2019


Help young siblings recognise their feelings
Acknowledging your sibling child's feelings about their disabled brother or sister, or about family life and school, is one of the most important things you can do to support them. You may not be able to change what is happening at home, but you can respond to how your child feels about things in a way that makes them feel you really care and understand. Read our advice here
 
‘What people get wrong about autism - My big brother Casey isn't a statistic or a burden. He's a man with strengths I'll never know.’
In this article Justin shares his experiences of growing up with his older brother, Casey.  Read the article here
 
Did you miss our mini blog for young siblings?
Catch up with our spotlight mini blog for young siblings on siblings and epilepsy as part of #NationalEpilepsyWeek back in May here
 
Workshops for Parents
Every year we run workshops across the UK for parent groups, voluntary organisations and local authorities on the needs of young siblings.  These sessions provide a unique opportunity for parents to focus on their sibling children and offers some practical tips on ways of supporting young siblings.
If you are interested in booking a workshop, find out more information here.
 
Our adult sibling groups are making a difference
Sibs has been starting to evaluate some of the work we have been doing with adult sibling support groups.  We have received some heart-warming feedback from adult sibling group members and facilitators about what the group means to them. A huge thank you to everyone that took time to share with us,  it is incredibly helpful for us in developing our work going forward. A huge thank you to our skilled facilitators who volunteer their time regularly to make these meetings happen.
 
“It has given me the confidence to regularly take my sister out and try to build a better relationship with her which has also given my parents a bit of respite.”
 
“You realised that there are people out there who are experience the same challenges as you. This is very hard for the “normal” person to understand and relate.”
 
“It brings great comfort to share even light or happy stories about my family with others without having to worry about bringing up a heavy conversation or being judged or pitied.”
 
We are always open to feedback – please email us your thoughts on info@sibs.org.uk  Want to run a group yourself or join an existing group – more information here.
 
We need your help to let people know about us
This year Sibs would like to reach more siblings than ever before. “I wish I’d known about you earlier” is something we hear often from adult siblings. We estimate that there are half a million young siblings and 1.7 million adult siblings in the UK. We need your help to reach more of them, and sooner.
You can help us by:
  • Share one of our posts on Facebook with parents that you know
  • Re-tweet us and tag your local university to make their students aware
  • Follow us on LinkedIn 
  • When people ask you about Sibs and what we do, email them this leaflet
 
Every connection counts. You never know who you might reach and it could have an enormous impact on someone’s life. Thank you for helping us, we really appreciate your time.

Do you have spare change for Sibs?
If your workplace or shop counter has space for a Sibs collecting tin – please let us know at info@sibs.org.uk and we can send you one. Every donation counts and helps us continue our unique and life-changing work with siblings.
Thank you for supporting us.
 
 
 
Kind regards
Clare Kassa
CEO
Sibs


 
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