About Us

Introduction
Recent estimates suggest that around 770,000 (7%) of children and young people in the UK are disabled. Numbers of disabled children in Wales are unknown; (Source Every Child Matters, Department for Children, Schools and Families).

Everyone needs a break sometimes, but when you are caring for someone, having a break is even more important. Respite care or a ‘short break’ is a break which actually gives the carer a break from direct responsibility of supervising or caring for the young person. Traditionally this has been seen as being for the benefit of the carer, but increasingly it has been accepted as beneficial for the young person as well.

Regular short breaks are a lifeline to some disabled children and their families. It allows the family to take time out to recharge their batteries and for the disabled child to have some fun. It also builds confidence and independence for the disabled children and young people and provides them with the opportunity to build relations and social networks beyond the immediate family.

Changes to the Law
In March 2008, an amendment to current legislation, established a new duty on all local authorities to help parents caring for disabled children by giving those breaks from their caring responsibilities.  This comes with a major investment by the Government through the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme.

What are Prospects Short Breaks?
Prospects Short Breaks are provided in a residential setting. In practice, this involves the young person going to a residential home where professional carers can take some of the responsibility. A change can be as good as a break!  Often, short break provision is for families and parents who need breaks from their heavily dependent children who have physical disabilities and complex health needs.  Prospects help young people enjoy new opportunities and take part in many of the activities that non-disabled children take for granted.

What can you expect from a short break at Prospects?
People have different definitions of short breaks or respite. In the past, respite has often meant a hospital bed, today however, respite increasingly means a break away from where you usually live and from the people you usually see.

Prospects firmly believes that it is not the disability which restricts what a young person is able to do and achieve, but rather that the environment around them is restrictive; this can be physical and emotional. Often the role of caring for someone in the home cannot truly provide the break for both parent and the young person and hence a 'change of scene' can work wonders for both.

We recognise that families with young people who have complex health problems and disabilities want to lead ordinary lives. That is why Prospects provides a 'continuity of care' service by offering short breaks and respite in a residential setting; giving carers a complete break. We ensure continuity of care wherever possible by working in partnership with the parents, local health trust, and maintaining strong links with other professionals working with the young people.

Each respite experience is different; typically Prospects tries to offer:

·         outdoor educational activities tailored to the need of individuals

·         recreational and leisure pursuits

·         the opportunity to learn independent living skills

·         exploring the local community environment

·         meeting people and making new friends

Placement plans and activities are developed with input from their families. This ensures the support the young person receives will meet their particular needs. Initially this requires carrying out a detailed needs assessment; this allows us to provide a more personalised service.  Each young person is also offered as much choice and control as possible over how they spend their time and who they spend their time with.

How does it differ from everyone else?
Prospects model of short breaks have the following distinct and positive characteristic:

·         they are flexible and responsive to the family’s needs

·         they ensure a continuity of care

·         they offer stimulating recreational and educational activities

·         they are small group and family centred

·         they are distinct from health care services

·         above all, they are fun

All our services are based one important proviso that they allow a young person to build good relationships with others, develop trust and feel confident that their needs are recognised and understood.

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