SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed funding to support respite care for children with disabilities.
It follows Assembly support for an SDLP amendment to a motion this week calling for further support for families of adults and children with learning difficulties, complex needs and challenging behaviour.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced £13 million multi-year funding to increase short break capacity and support.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The SDLP Opposition recognised the important need to have the voices of children and their families included in the debate around the need to expand respite provision, and we secured the support of the Assembly earlier this week.
“I’m delighted this has now been followed up by the Minister with much needed support for children with disabilities to take short breaks.
“This will make a real difference for the children and their families.
“The stories I’ve heard from carers and families in recent years has been nothing short of harrowing.
“Harrowing that the current system means our most vulnerable citizens are not given the support to live their lives with dignity and that our unpaid carers, who dedicate their lives supporting them, feel forgotten and alone.
“In recent years we’ve seen respite provision including short breaks, not just reduced but removed entirely for some families. Respite care should not be treated as a luxury. Since when was a lifeline a luxury?
“This issue gained much attention recently after the airing of the BBC Spotlight programme ‘I Am Not Okay’ which detailed the challenges of parents living with children who have additional needs.
“There was a huge response to it and I commend the parents involved for their bravery in speaking out and sharing their story, I believe that detailing their experience was key in seeing this funding delivered.
“While this funding is welcome, I note with some concern the Minister’s comments that this will mean there is less money to be spent in other parts of our health service.
“While I am aware of the challenges facing the department, the SDLP will be seeking urgent clarity on the impact of this.”
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