TAKE A BREAK SCHEME REOPENS FOR FAMILIES RAISING DISABLED CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND
Take a Break, which provides much-needed short breaks for families caring for children and young people with additional needs, has re-opened after receiving further funding from the Scottish Government.
Family Fund – the UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people – continues to administer the programme that it developed specifically for the Scottish Government. First launched in November 2011, take a Break allows those caring for disabled children and young people across Scotland to apply for a grant towards a short break that is suited to the family’s needs. During the first three rounds of the grant programme, take a Break has enabled more than 4,000 families across Scotland realise a much-needed break.
The Holton family have been helped by take a Break, Mum Wendy said:
“We thought that the Yurt Glamping was the bee's knees last year but this year has massively surpassed anything that we could have possibly imagined. We feel like the luckiest people in the world. We opted for equipment this year and were granted the cost of a canoe, life vests and, paddles. Since purchasing the boat, we have already clocked up hours of rest and relaxation on the water. We have been using the canoe on local lochs but have managed to stay away from the hordes enjoying the sunshine. Being on the canoe is heavenly. The only tricky bit is getting our son out of it as he says it is just so relaxing. He loves the water and hates being around people so we couldn't have chosen anything better really. Thank you once again take a Break, from the very bottom of our hearts.”
A total of £825,000 has been allocated to take a Break to continue their hugely successful scheme throughout 2014/2015, with applications invited from today.
Take a break is part of the £2million ‘Better Breaks Development Fund’ which, under The Scottish Government, aims to improve the provision of, and access to, quality short breaks for disabled children and their families, especially where children and young people have multiple support needs. Take a Break can also consider equipment such as bicycles, helping towards days out to places such as theme parks and museums, or maybe an opportunity to try something completely new such as taking the helm of a 70” racing yacht in the Isle of man.
Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive at Family Fund, said: “The take a Break scheme has given thousands of families the opportunity to access short breaks that are flexible and can be tailored to the needs of their child and wider family. We are pleased to be able to secure funding that will now help even more families in the coming months. These families have additional pressures on a daily basis and the take a Break grants increase well-being and give families the option to choose what is best for them.”
Michael Matheson, MSP Minister for Public Health, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Family Fund, who administer the take a Break programme on our behalf. This programme provides funding for much needed short breaks for disabled children and young people and their families. We want to do everything we can to allow these families to live fulfilled and happy lives.”
Families that have already applied for a take a Break grant and are awaiting a decision do not need to do anything, take a Break will be in touch. For more information on take a Break and to download an application form, visit http://www.takeabreakscotland.org.uk.
Ends
Note to Editors
For more information on take a Break or the Family Fund, please contact:
Alison Jessop
Tel: 01904 571 094
Email: comms@familyfund.org.uk
Information about the Family Fund
The take a Break scheme is administered by the Family Fund. Family Fund is a registered charity and is the UK’s largest provider of grants to low income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people aged 17 and under.
Last year Family Fund helped over 66,900 families within the UK who are raising disabled or seriously ill children or young people with grants totalling £33 million.
For more information, see http://www.familyfund.org.uk
Tags: