VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help care for disabled children and young people.

Bolton Shared Care is appealing for people aged over 18 to help out parents as part of national Share The Care Week, which runs until Monday.

The organisation offers dedicated training for volunteers, to help them offer respite care to children for anything from just a few hours a week to regular weekends.

Roles include short-break foster carers, sitters and befrienders.

The short-break foster carer is the most intensive role. It is open to couples and single people who are willing to invite a disabled child into their home.

Initially, a visit would last for a couple of hours, progressing to overnight stays and even weekends.

The arrangement enables parents to have a relaxing break while their children enjoy mixing with others.

Sitters go to a child's home to sit with them for an evening, overnight or a weekend while their parents have a rare night out or time away.

And befrienders are needed to accompany disabled young people on a night out, giving them the chance to meet other youngsters their age.

Cllr Linda Thomas, Bolton Council's executive member for children's services, said: "The respite is invaluable to the families living day to day with children who have these needs.

"The experience is also tremendously fulfiling for volunteers. "

For more details call 01204 337100 or visit www.boltoncom munity.co.uk/boltonshared care.