The council is reassuring people that it’s keeping an open mind as it prepares to talk to families again about potential changes to its short breaks service.
We recently announced proposed changes to our short breaks and emergency respite service for working-age adults with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities, and their families and unpaid carers.
After some families accessing the service expressed concern about the proposals, we decided to carry out further engagement, giving people another opportunity to share their views and help shape our plans. This will begin during June and involve direct discussions with families and opportunities to understand all options.
Cllr Steve Clegg, executive member for adult care and health, will attend some of these sessions, in an observational role, to support fully appreciating views.
Cllr Clegg said: “I understand that families are anxious about the possibility of change, particularly the potential closure of Cedar House and Swallow Lodge. So, I want to again reassure them that no decision has been taken and won’t be until they’ve had an opportunity to share their thoughts on the best way forward.
“We’ll be asking for views on a range of options, including keeping the service as it is now. However, we also want them to consider how the service might be improved. We know that some families struggle to access short breaks under the current model, and we want to explore whether we can create a new-look service that provides care closer to home, supports a wider range of clinical needs and considers young people who as they move into adulthood, may access the service.
“That said, how families feel matters, and I want them to know that, at this stage, all options remain on the table, including continuing to use Swallow Lodge and Cedar House. I want to be certain that they have had a chance to share their valuable feedback and experiences before officers develop their final proposals for the service, so we can be confident that any changes that might ultimately be put forward best meet needs. Because I know that, for them, short breaks aren’t an abstract issue – they’re a lifeline.”
We are extending the current contract for the service to allow us time to speak to families about the best way forward.