A CAMPAIGN has been launched to attract more people from Chorley to look after disabled children for short breaks.

Barnardo's Chorley Families Project says it is desperate to recruit people of all ages and backgrounds who will lend a helping hand to the youngsters in their homes for short periods, such as weekends, or evenings.

The message behind the drive is -- 'Give a little time - make a big difference'.

The number of 'link carers', as they are called, has been steadily falling in recent years and Barnardo's workers say many disabled children and their families across Chorley have little hope of benefiting from the vital service.

The local appeal has been launched to coincide with the national Share the Care Week between September 18-24.

The whole aim of the week is to recruit people to provide needed short breaks to 5,000 disabled children and their families waiting for the service nationally.

Janet McLaughlin, from Barnardo's Chorley Families Project, based in Harrington Road, said: "The campaign calls on ordinary people to 'give a little time and make a big difference because this is exactly what becoming a short break link carer is all about.

"It's not a huge time commitment -- anything from a weekend every couple if months to a few days during school holidays -- and it makes a big difference to the families of the disabled children. What's more it's fun."

Short break carers receive an allowance, training and support. They are also subject to a statutory approval process.

For more information about getting involved, contact Janet on 01257 278994.