BOLTON Shared Care Scheme, run by Sally Hempsall and Sue Nunn of Social Services, is calling on the town's kind hearts to "Give a Little Time and Make a Big Difference."

That is the theme of a campaign launched as part of National Share the Care Week, running from today until September 24.

The campaign seeks to recruit people of all ages and backgrounds to look after disabled children for short breaks.

Under the scheme, which already has around 80 families in the Bolton borough taking part, people look after a disabled child for short periods, such as one weekend a month or one evening a week, to give the parents of the disabled child a break and help the child become more independent.

The carers involve the children in activities such as swimming, visits to the cinema, shopping or pursuing other interests.

At present the Shared Care scheme supports around 100 disabled children in Bolton but almost always has a waiting list of children wanting to be linked with a family.

Sally Hempsall, a link worker for the scheme, said: "There is a huge demand for the service because it is popular with children and their parents. Parents leave their child with someone they know and trust and they know their child will enjoy the break too. Children get the opportunity to do new things and short break carers enjoy having the child to come and stay. It's a win-win situation."

She added: "It is not a big time commitment but it makes a huge difference to the lives of disabled children. What's more it's fun."

Short break carers receive an allowance, training and support.

For more information about being a short break carer, ring Bolton Shared Care on 01204 337107. The national focus week is organised by the Shared Care Network, which is a national charity supporting schemes throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.