Finding Siblings!

[VK3QQ]

Ok Beccy,

Our sons, as we said, are in their 40s. The one with the learning disability is in a state government group home, which is always a major problem when it comes to quality of life care. And how about your family, as we are keen to compare care quality

Regards,

Tony & Heather (Melbourne, Australia).

[frances_is_a_sibling]

Hi Beccy, lovely to meet you and to see all the siblings that have responded to this thread! Great to hear you’ve finished your SLT training - how’s life post-qualifying? I am an OT by background. I really echo some of your experiences as a sibling - you’re not alone. It’s hard when no one else just ‘gets it’ - but other siblings do.

I’m 29, I live in the East Midlands (UK) and my older brother has severe learning disabilities, epilepsy and displays challenging behaviour. I love meeting other siblings - online or in person - and talking about experiences past and present. It’s like something just slots into place. No one understands like other siblings do. I go to a monthly sibling support group and I have met other siblings at workshops too.

Beccy, if you haven’t already come across Sibs (the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults) have a look at www.sibs.org.uk. Lots of information and support for adult siblings like us.

[stephpear123]

hi, i read your post and was surprised by how well i related to it, my brother is only 4 atm but he is non verbal as well. if you ever do find or create a sibling charity event i would love to be a part of it and my other brothers would as well. things like this should be more talked about and broadcasted across more websites

[frances_is_a_sibling]

if you haven’t already come across Sibs (the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults) have a look at www.sibs.org.uk. Lots of information and support for adult siblings like us.

@stephpear123 Hi, if you haven’t already come across Sibs (the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults) have a look at www.sibs.org.uk. Lots of information and support for siblings like us. I agree, sibling issues aren’t very well known and it would be great if more websites and forums had a sibling thread like Mencap does.

[stephpear123]

thats amazing!! thank you so much :3 ill check it out with my brother now i really apreciate it thank you x

[frances_is_a_sibling]

You’re welcome, lovely to meet you @stephpear123

[bmuggers]

Hi Steph, great to hear from you! Will let you know about sibling events if they happen! X

[bmuggers]

Hi Frances sorry this is such a late reply ! Great to hear from you. SLT life is going well - although a huge learning curve! I am really interested to hear about your work with sibs and how you got involved. My nearest sibling group would be London - really wish it was possible to set up more local ones! X

[frances_is_a_sibling]

Hi @bmuggers, lovely to hear from you and I’m glad SLT life is going well. I’ll drop you a private message with my email address in - feel free to get in touch to chat more about sibling stuff

Sibling support groups are great and I’d love there to be more too - if you (or a sibling friend) are interested in setting one up in your area, have a look at https://www.sibs.org.uk/support-for-adult-siblings/facilitate-an-adult-sibling-group-in-your-area/ - in the meantime, I hope you get chance to make it to the London group, even on the odd occasion. Being a sibling is a unique experience and no one else ‘gets it’ like other siblings do.

Take care and happy SLTing!

Frances