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Disabled children and their families are set to benefit from a short break initiative worth nearly £2 million.

The funding will be launched officially on the 29th November by the Public Health Minister Michael Matheson at PLUS, Stirling - an organisation that gives disabled children and young people the support they need to have fun with children their own age.

The launch of this fund marks an important milestone for the For Scotland's Disabled Children (fSDC) coalition which brings together families with disabled children and support organisations - inlcuding Shared Care Scotland - to campaign for change.  Short Breaks is one of four key areas where fSDC has been focusing its efforts over the last 5 years. 

£1.3m will be administered by Shared Care Scotland through a new Better Breaks Grant programme to third sector organisations.  Chief Executive Don Williamson said:

"We are delighted that the Scottish Government is making this funding available to improve short breaks for disabled children and young people and their families.  We know how important it is for all children to be able to take up interests and activities that are enjoyable and fulfilling, and how important it is for families to have some time-out to recharge their batteries.  We also know that disabled children face greater challenges in accessing these opportunities, particularly children with multiple support needs.

The funding administered by Shared Care Scotland, though the new Better Breaks programme, will make a big difference by supporting voluntary organisations to expand their short breaks provision and offer more exciting and fun activities that will help these disabled children and young people to reach their full potential."

The £558,450 of direct support for families, known as 'Take a Break', will be managed by the Family Fund.  Chief Executive Derek Walpole said:

"This funding is a clear step in the right direction empowering families to make their own choices, realize opportunities and lead an ordinary life.  More importantly, through the scheme we will gather a wealth of information to what families need in order to take a short break, and improve their well-being." 

For detailed information on Better Breaks and Take a Break, click here

For information on 'for Scotland's Disabled Children', click here

For the full Scottish Government press release, click here

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