Breaking point

Mencap's campaign calling for families to get short break services.

 

8 out of 10 parents and carers have reached breaking point. Breaking point happens when families don't get the help and support they need.

It is the crisis point that happens when families are so worn out by the pressure of their caring role that they feel like they can't care for their son or daughter anymore.

Families of children and adults with severe or profound learning disabilities love the people they care for. They care for them willingly but they need help to do so.

• To find out more, read Mandy's story.

What we want

We want families to get short break services so that they are not pushed to breaking point.

Every carer should have their needs assessed and get the short break services they need.

What we are doing

• We have carried out surveys of families and published our report 'Breaking Point - Families still need a break'.
• We are lobbying government for families to have a right to a minimum level of short breaks.
• We are lobbying government to put more money into learning disability services, including short breaks.

How can I campaign?

• You can campaign for short break services in your local area. Our Breaking Point local campaigns pack will help you.
• Join the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign which is campaigning for short break services for families with disabled children.
• Tell us your story about your need for short break services and what your council is doing about it.