New approach to short breaks and respite for Children and Adult Social Care services

If you or someone you care for uses short break or respite services – now is the time to have your say. Both Children’s and Adult Social Care services are consulting on a new strategic approach to short breaks. Parents, carers and service users [both current and future] are being asked for their views – before moving to the next stage which will be to help the council to develop a range of service options.

The consultation starts today (Friday 29 June) and lasts for six weeks ending on Friday 10 August. To give your views, take part in the survey or to view the strategies go to the ‘Have your say’ page of the councils website www.buckscc.gov.uk here

People can also give their views by attending any one of eight drop-in sessions being held across the county during July and August.

The council want to ensure access to short breaks is fair and priority is targeted at those who most need it. The aim of a new approach would be to provide a range of short breaks that would meet the varying needs of carers, disabled children and young people and vulnerable adults – as well as meet the needs of young people approaching adulthood.

Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We want to be able to ensure that disabled young people continue to be able to access short breaks that will meet their needs as they become adults and that they experience continuity of care.”

Carers provide most of the care in our communities and without them our NHS and Social Services would struggle to cope.

Lin Hazell, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:“Many carers need to have a break from caring so that they can work, keep in touch with family and friends, have time for their own interests, or simply to recharge their batteries. This time away from home can also be an opportunity for children and young people with disabilities or vulnerable adults to become more independent, learn new skills, make friends and connect more with their local community.”

The decision to consult on the short breaks strategies was made at the Cabinet meeting held on 18 June more details can be found here.

Go straight to the Children’s Short Breaks Consultation here
Go straight to the Adult Short Breaks Consultation here