Breaking point

8 out of 10 parents and carers have reached breaking point as a result of not getting the help and support they need.

Breaking point is the crisis 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 any more.

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.

Mencap believes that:

• every carer should receive an assessment of their needs
• every carer should receive the short break services they need so that they are not pushed to breaking point
• the government must put more money into learning disability services, including short breaks.

Read Mandy's story to find out why short breaks are so important for parents and carers.

What we are doing

• We are lobbying the government for all families to have a minimum level of short breaks.
• We are lobbying the government to put more money into learning disability services, including short breaks.

Take action!

Campaign locally with our Breaking Point campaigns pack:

• England
• Northern Ireland