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 Host carers share important family bond 

Host carers share important family bond

02 Jul, 2008 10:56 PM
TEN-year-old Jayden Curtis spends his time surrounded by family.

In fact, the youngster, who has Down syndrome, has two families.

Each month he packs a bag and heads to visit Wantirna resident Brigid Cantwell for a weekend to provide respite for his parents, Jenny and Martin Curtis.

Ms Cantwell hosts Jayden as part of Interchange Outer East's host carer program.

She said her involvement with the organisation for the past five years prompted her role as host. ``I had family already involved, so I saw first hand how positive it was for families to have a break, but it also enabled my family to give something back to the community.''

She said Jayden was well suited to the Cantwell family.

"Mum and Dad just adore him and he does everything we do on the weekends he visits.

"He's a perfect fit.''

Interchange spokeswoman Sandra Leehy said hosts came from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and relationship situations.

"[We] currently have well over 100 children wanting a match, so we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to consider hosting.''

Details: Interchange Outer East can be contacted on 97585522 or www.ioe.org.au

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Extra care: Brigid Cantwell hosts Jayden Curtis through an outer-east suburban respite program.  Picture: Rob Carew
Extra care: Brigid Cantwell hosts Jayden Curtis through an outer-east suburban respite program. Picture: Rob Carew

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