Short break scheme for families with disabled children in Scotland re-opens
Take a Break programme has helped thousands of families since 2011.
Take a Break, Scotland’s short break fund for disabled children and their families, has re-opened for applications.
The programme, funded by Scottish Government, aims to provide families with the choice and opportunity to access a single or ongoing break from caring.
Take a Break grants enable families caring for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person to have the opportunity to choose how they would like to take a break, with a view to improving the quality of life, health and well-being of the whole family.
The scheme has been administered by Family Fund, the UK’s largest provider of grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children, since 2011. Last year, Take a Break provided a total of £1,016,000 to 1,976 families across Scotland.
For Steven, a 16 year-old who has autism, the grant allowed him to spend time away from his family for the first time. Mum Laura said “Steven took part in lots of activities with other teenagers. It was an emphatic success. A phone call every day eased our minds and we enjoyed a few meals out.”
A parent who received a grant for a family break said “This was the first family holiday that we have been able to have as a family. It allowed our son to experience a relaxing break with all his family together, we did various things all of which were close to our accommodation. He was able to play with others in his own age group, and this helped him greatly as the other children did not know of his condition.”
Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive of Family Fund, said “I am delighted that the Take a Break programme continues to go from strength to strength. The feedback we receive from parents and carers shows that the opportunity to receive a grant that is individual to the needs of a family makes a tremendous difference. It can help provide children with new experiences, developing their confidence and social skills, or help parents and carers by easing the pressure, relieving stress and giving a precious opportunity to strengthen family bonds. We continue to be grateful to Scottish Government for their continuing commitment to Take a Break.”
Families can apply for a grant by visiting www.takeabreakscotland.org.uk.
Jim Paterson, Communications Manager
Family Fund, 4 Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9WN
Tel: 01904 571094 email: comms@familyfund.org.uk
The Family Fund is the country’s largest grant-giving charity and has over 40 years of helping families with disabled children. It helps ease the additional pressures faced by low-income families raising a disabled child by giving them grants for a wide range of goods and services, including washing machines, dryers, fridges, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers, much- needed family breaks and more. Across the UK last year, the Fund supported over 69,000 families with £33 million in grants.