Parents and carers of children with disabilities urged to share views

Parents and carers of children with disabilities are urged to share their experiences and help ensure that a service which offers them support is being delivered in the best way possible. 

They are invited to take part in a survey on the Short Breaks programme which provides opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to enjoy activities independently of their families, while their parents and carers have a break from caring. These are delivered by Shropshire Council and partners. 

The council’s disabled children’s team is running the survey to gather people’s opinions about what has worked well in the three years since the programme was expanded, and what could be better in the future. 

To fill in the survey click here. 

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“More and more children with disabilities and additional needs are enjoying a Short Break in Shropshire, with hundreds of children, parents, siblings and carers benefitting from the programme since it was launched. 

“Parents and siblings benefit from catching up with ‘everyday activities’, giving them an opportunity to focus on their own well-being and social networks.  It gives them options such as returning to work or study, and is giving children and young people the chance to develop new friendships and enjoy activities independently of their families.” 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for disability, added:

“We know from parents and carers how important these breaks are for the whole family, but are always looking to see where we can make further improvements.  Whether you are someone who has used the scheme, or might, in future, consider finding out more about the support it can offer, we’d really like to hear your thoughts.  With your help we can look to ensure it provides what people want as we plan the Short Breaks programme for next year and beyond.” 

The disabled children’s team is running another survey alongside this one to seek views from providers of Short Breaks; health, education or social care workers who refer families to the Short Breaks programme, and social care workers who work to help develop the scheme. 

To fill in this survey click here. 

The surveys run until Friday 12 October 2012. 

For further information regarding Short Breaks, including the current activity programme, click here or please contact the disabled children’s team on 01743 250225. 

Further information 

Short Breaks include day, evening, overnight or weekend activities, which can take place in the child’s own home, the home of an approved carer, or a residential or community setting.  Short Breaks can also be provided through a temporary carer relieving the primary carer of their caring responsibilities without them being separated from the child with disabilities or young person. 

From 2008, the Government made additional funding available to councils and the NHS for Short Breaks, traditionally referred to as ‘respite breaks’.  The aim of the additional funding was to: 

• Increase the number and variety of Short Breaks
• Develop different types of Short Breaks, which could be accessed by families who did not meet social care eligibility criteria
• Make mainstream services, like local leisure centres, more accessible