Sibs exists to support people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings.
The coronavirus outbreak is a challenging time for us all. It is especially challenging for the brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults. Sibs is the only UK charity dedicated to representing the needs of the estimated half a million young siblings and 1.7 million adult siblings in the UK.
Sibs is the only UK charity for children and adults who are growing up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. We provide information, support and training on sibling issues for adult siblings, young siblings, parents and professionals.
Adult siblings
Adult siblings, in particular those with a brother or sister with a lifelong learning disability and/or autism, provide support, advocacy and care for their brothers and sisters, at the same time as juggling support and care for their elderly parents, their own children, and their work. They rarely receive any acknowledgement of their role or expertise, information about service provision, or support for their own needs. As a result, many adult siblings experience isolation, reduced well-being and negative effects on their work and finances. Many adult siblings just want to enjoy social time with their brother or sister rather than time together being focused on care tasks.
Support for adult siblings:
We provide phone and email support for adult siblings
We run a network of peer support groups for adult siblings of people with a lifelong learning disability and/or autism Visit the Sibs Peer Support group page
We produce guides for adult siblings of people with a lifelong learning disability and/or autism on issues such as future planning and managing care Visit the Sibs Guides for Adult Siblings page
We run workshops and events for adult siblings
Young Sibs
Children and young people growing up with a disabled brother or sister often get less attention from parents and have more worries and responsibilities than their peers. Many young siblings experience daily challenges in their lives such as public prejudice and finding it hard to get schoolwork done. They also need recognition for the positive aspects of their family lives, such as learning new skills and being supportive of their brothers’ and sisters’ needs.
Direct support for young siblings
We run a Young Sibs website Visit the Young Sibs website – an online support and information service for children and young people aged 7 to 17, who have a brother or sister who is disabled, has special educational needs or has serious long-term condition.
Young siblings can:
Get information about disabilities and conditions, and tips for enjoying life and dealing with feelings
Get help from our team with sibling issues at home and at school
This support is free, there is no cost.
If you have any queries or seek support, please visit the Sibs website Visit the Sibs website where you can ask questions in support groups or access resources to support your needs.
If you wish to speak to the Sibs team please Visit the Sibs Contact Us page to complete the online contact form.
Visit the Sibs Peer Support group page
Visit the Sibs Guides for Adult Siblings page
Visit the Sibs Contact Us page
