Barnardo’s Cymru Appeals For Carers

Children’s charity Barnardo’s Cymru appeals for carers tocome forward. A children’s charity is appealing for carers to help a 17-year-old with Down’s syndrome expand his horizons.

Peter Jenkins lives at home with his parents – Philip and Elizabeth – in Tredegar, and has four brothers and sisters, all of whom have grown up.

As Peter gets older, his parents are keen that he has opportunities to get out more and meet a wider circle of people.

Barnardo’s Cymru Blaenau Gwent Service is now looking for a link family, who will help expand Peter’s horizons and help him to enjoy activities outside his own home.

Mrs Jenkins – known as Buffy – has recently undergone treatment for cancer and her husband took early retirement to look after her.

She said, “I have finished treatment now, but it has left me with a lot of problems.

“I have no strength in one arm, and I get out of breath very easily. I cannot go outside and kick around a football with Peter very easily.”

The couple are keen to ensure that Peter gets the chance to get out more and socialise – especially as his older siblings are forging ahead with their own lives.

Mr Jenkins said, “I take him out to go shopping and to go for a walk, but he doesn’t have many outside activities in his life.

“He has school and he loves it, but his life at the moment revolves around school and home.”

Joyce McCann, a Barnardo’s Cymru social worker, said, “A link family, who could have Peter for overnight stays a couple of times a month, would open lots of doors for Peter.

“He would enjoy things like going swimming, bowling or to the cinema, or just watching television.

“But the stimulation of being out of his own home environment would be good for him, and would help him to develop some independence.”

Anyone interested in learning how they can help Peter and his family should contact Blaenau Gwent Community Links project on 01495 356 778