firsthand provides support to lone parents and parents with children with disabilities by offering a sitter service.Sitter Service
The aims of the sitter service are:
• To provide stimulating and developmental play opportunities to children, in a safe and happy environment
• To strengthen families by improving parents' / carers' well-being through regular breaks
• To increase skills and confidence in both parents / carers and their children
The service is free and operates within Edinburgh. We also have a sitter service in Midlothian, which is run jointly with firsthand and Midlothian Sure Start
About the Service
What is a Sitter?
A sitter is someone who will care for your children in your own home while you are out; allowing you time to enjoy other activities, get a break, or spend quality time with friends or one of your children.
When do sits happen?
Sits happen weekly for six months or fortnightly for a year. Sits are usually in the evenings, for three hours.
What do Sitters do?
As much as possible, sitters will follow any established routines that you may have with your children, including bedtime routines.
Sitters will also plan fun activities to promote your children's development, i.e. creative play, arts and crafts, reading, sports and games.
Our Families
Who can use the Service
The Sitter Service is for lone parent families and families with children with disablities who have no reliable or regular support.
Priority is given to families / parents who:
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Have children aged 0-3
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Are under a great deal of stress
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Have experienced domestic abuse / homelessness
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Have depression or mental health issues
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Are a lone parent and have disability / disabled child
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Has parent under 21
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Live in a deprived area of Edinburgh
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Have not used the service before
About the Sitters
Who are the Sitters?
We have a combination of paid and volunteer sitters.
Volunteer sitters come from all sectors of the community, they are both male and female, aged 18 upwards.
For families with more complex needs, we employ paid sitters with experience or qualifications in Child Care, Social Care, Social Work or teaching.
How are Sitters selected?
All sitters, whether paid or volunteers, must satisfactorily complete an interview, two references, a medical reference and an enhanced disclosure.
How are Sitters supported?
All sitters receive induction training and on-going training. Paid sitters also receive specialist training for epilepsy and autism. All sitters recieve regular supervision
How do I Apply?
How do I get a Sitter?
Go to Contact Us
What happens next?
Once you have applied, we will be in contact with you to explain in more detail about the service and your particular requirements.
How long will I have to wait for a sitter?
We will do our best to match families within 6 months of their home visit. Matching is complex and dependant on many factors, so we will let you know if we anticipate that it could be longer than this.