Families of disabled children get £2m boost

Disabled children and their families are set to benefit from nearly £2 million in funding to organise short breaks.

The Scottish Government is making a total of £1.3m available to organisations who provide respite for children and young people with multiple support needs.

A further £558,450 will provide direct funding to families caring for a disabled or seriously ill child to choose their own break, or buy items such as camping equipment or bicycles.

The funding will be launched tomorrow by public health minister Michael Matheson.

He said: “We are determined to do all we can to help families live fulfilled and happy lives together. This package of funding is focused on giving families with a disabled child up to the age of 20 the opportunity for a short break, taken either together or separately.

Penny Stafford, of Edinburgh, whose 19-year-old son Adam has additional support needs, said: “Over the years it has often proved difficult for Adam to access social and leisure activities with other children his age and as a result, he is very socially isolated.

“This new fund could be the catalyst for making a real difference to the range of opportunities that are open to children and young people, and to families.”

The £1.3m fund will be known as Better Breaks and will be organised through Shared Care Scotland.

Its chief executive, Don Williamson, said: “We know how important it is for all children and young people 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 to recharge their batteries.”