'If they took the short break away from me now, my family would collapse.'

Our research demonstrates the positive impact short break services can have on the lives of disabled children and young people and their families.

Emma Scowcroft, Policy Manager, Action for Children writes:

For over 20 years, Action for Children has been providing short breaks services to disabled children and their families. We support those who have multiple and complex needs, which are often associated with severe or even life-limiting illnesses. We work with other agencies and professionals to ensure disabled children and their families are getting the support they need, when they need it.

Our latest research, the Evaluation of the Impact of Action for Children Short break Services on Outcomes for Children launched demonstrates the positive impact short break services can have on the lives of disabled children and young people and their families;

96% of families reported that the short break service had a positive impact on family life
Action for Children services have a positive impact on children with all levels of need, including those with complex needs
Our short break services enable children to participate in activities that they may not have done previously or may not get the opportunity to engage in without the necessary specialist support
Our services are also effective at seeking and acting on the views and wishes of children and enabling them to make informed choices
Services were found to help children develop new skills, especially the overnight stays, and the various day trips the staff take the children on

Read our research briefing from the Evaluation of the Impact of Action for Children Short break Services on Outcomes for Children.

Local authorities fail in their duty to provide childcare for disabled children

Families with disabled children face a lack of appropriate holiday childcare, exorbitant childcare costs and even discrimination.

One in three parents of disabled children received no holiday childcare during summer 2011, according to a survey conducted by KIDS in partnership with Mencap.

The survey of 1,192 parents from across England highlights that families with disabled children face a lack of appropriate holiday childcare, exorbitant childcare costs and even discrimination, as local authorities fail in their duty to provide childcare.

The survey reveals that two in three families found it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to find appropriate childcare for their disabled child during summer 2011, and one in 10 disabled children were refused a place in childcare provision because of their impairments.

Even when parents do get childcare, it is estimated that some 19% parents of disabled children faced childcare costs of up to £11,700 per year, compared to the national average of £5,028.

The survey also highlights the continuing struggle that parents of disabled children face in order to maintain full-employment. While 19% of those surveyed were able to maintain a full-time job while caring for their disabled child, nearly half (41%) stated that they need childcare to be able to work. The lack of affordable, appropriate childcare was cited as a major reason that 43% of parents were unemployed.

To read more go to:

www.kids.org.uk/information/100188/106394/results_kids_and_mencap_survey/

Together for Short Lives

We are delighted to inform you that the newly merged ACT & Children's Hospices UK will be known from today as Together for Short Lives.

News from Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive and Lizzie Chambers, Deputy Chief Executive:

As you know, the merger of ACT and Children's Hospices UK has established for the first time a united voice for all those involved with children's palliative care - children, young people and their families, professionals and providers from the voluntary and statutory sectors. In the first month of the new charity, we have already used this powerful voice to important effect with a range of audiences right across the UK.

In re-branding the new organisation, we have sought to find a name that is memorable and distinctive and captures the essence of what we do. Together for Short Lives encapsulates what the new charity is all about - working to support children and families to make the most of life, recognising that we can only do this by working together - with children, young people and their families, and all our members and partners, with policy makers, governments, funders, supporters and the general public.

To reflect our new brand, our email addresses are now: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our new web landing page www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk sign posts relevant information on the established ACT and Children's Hospices UK websites pending the development of a single web platform in due course.

"Getting Better" - DVDs About Health, for People with Learning Disabilities

Getting_Better_-_blood_pressure_image "Getting Better" (2010) and "Getting Better in Hospital" (2011) are two new DVD packs about healthcare, designed to be accessible to patients with learning disabilities and support them in their dealings with the health services.

The DVDs are also being used successfully in the training of doctors, nurses, care workers, and support staff at all levels.

Funded by the Department of Health, these resourcess were produced by Leeds Animation Workshop, a not-for-profit co-operative, in consultation with patients, NHS staff, Mencap and other organisations.

Each pack contains a short animated film and easy-read booklet. All the voices on the soundtrack are those of actors with learning disabilities.

Each film contains 6 two-minute stories, featuring characters from various backgrounds and with a range of learning disabilities. People are seen asking questions, and speaking up for themselves.

Watch clips:

http://www.leedsanimation.org.uk/films/get_better.html

http://www.leedsanimation.org.uk/films/get_better_hospital.html

Details from http://www.leedsanimation.org.uk/index.html

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (+44) 0113 248 4997

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