Mumsnet and EDCM join forces for short breaks campaign
01 February 2011
Mumsnet and the EDCM (Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign) have joined forces to ensure that families of disabled children get the support the need.
The government has given local authorities £800m to spend on providing respite care to families of disabled children. However, this money is not ring fenced so it is up to local authorities how they spend it.
Mumsnet and EDCM are urging local authorities to tell us how much money they will be spending on short breaks for families with disabled children.
Take action now
You can find out more about the campaign on the Mumsnet website.
Why are short respite breaks important?
Short breaks are a basic service for families to enable them to lead ordinary lives. Caring for a disabled child can be a
full-time job. Families don't want a lot - they just want to be able to take a trip to the shops, to have a bath and a night's sleep.
Short breaks also give disabled children the chance to do fun things with their friends. They provide parents and carers of disabled children with a break from their caring responsibilities. They allow parents to dedicate time to their other children.
Most importantly, they help families to stay together.