Save Our Respite Establishments: Families take to the streets to protect respite care

Sunday 13 February 2011

Families take to the streets to protect respite care

Families who describe their disabled children's respite units as their lifeline joined the Preston Against Cuts Rally on Preston Flag Market on Saturday 12th February to protest at proposals to close them by Lancashire County Council due to budget cuts.

About us

There are 8 respite units for children with disabilities across Lancashire. If you feel you could benefit from this service contact them for further details:

Alexandra House, Lancaster,
Tel: 01524 37606
South Avenue, Morecambe,
Tel: 01524 411530
The Bungalow, Preston,
Tel: 01772 716252
Maplewood House, Bamber Bridge,
Preston, Tel: 01772 336384
Grimshaw Lane, Ormskirk,
Tel: 01695 572861
Long Copse, Chorley,
Tel: 01257 264485
Reedley Cottages, Burnley,
Tel: 01282 602245
Hargreaves House, Oswaldtwistle,
Tel: 01254 235675

The respite units are a home-from-home, a place where children can stay overnight, have fun, learn independence and play and socialise with their peers in a safe environment while their families take a break from 24/7 lifelong caring. It means both child and family get a break from their caring situation.

Many families describe their respite unit as their 'lifeline'.

Save Our Respite Establishments (SORE) was formed by parents of disabled children in 2006 when Lancashire County Council proposed for closure -simply due to budget cuts- Maplewood House, a disabled children's respite unit.

Families' pleas that this type of respite provision is essential to help families continue to care for their children by providing regular, reliable, substantial enough breaks were heard by the council and Maplewood was saved.

Once again in 2011 budget cuts see disabled children's respite under threat. This time all 8 of the respite units across Lancashire are affected. A number of the units are to close unless the council once again listens and has a change of heart.

SORE supports families who use the respite centres and will continue to highlight the importance of the respite units for families.

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Sunday 13 February 2011

Families take to the streets to protect respite care