Children's Minister Sarah Teather has announced more funding for short breaks for carers

Monday 13 December 2010

David Congdon, head of campaigns & policy, said:

"We have campaigned for several years for more short breaks for families with children with a disability as these breaks are essential to stop families reaching breaking point. 

"This funding is good news for families and carers of children with a learning disability.

"Having regular breaks from care means that families can stay together. With

the support of reliable and good quality short breaks, parents can enjoy their child, as a child.

"We understand it is unlikely this funding will be ring-fenced, so we call on councils to ensure that these funds are spent on these all-important breaks."

ENDS

For more information please contact Nicola Thompson on 020 7696 5603 or email Nicola.thompson@mencap.org.uk

Notes to editors

• The Breaking Point campaign

Mencap has campaigned over many years for short breaks to sustain family life for children with a learning disability. Our Breaking Point campaign has highlighted the failure to provide enough short breaks for families caring for children with severe learning disabilities, and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). See http://mencap.org.uk/case.asp?id=542 for more information.

• About Mencap

Mencap supports the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and their families and carers. Mencap fights to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.

We are also the largest service provider of services, information and advice for people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. See http://www.mencap.org.uk/ for more information.