Speaking as he met staff and families who are part of the Share the Care scheme in the Northern Trust area, the minister said: “One of my top priorities as Health Minister is to do as much as I can to make a difference to people who can benefit from respite care.
“I fought hard in January to secure an extra £17million for learning disability and £7million for physical and sensory disability services over the next three years. As a result of securing this additional funding, a total of 400 new and enhanced respite care packages will be provided by 2010/2011.
“I am very encouraged to see at first hand schemes such as the Share the Care which provide adults with a home-from-home environment of care. This scheme also supports the development of an individual’s social skills and enhances self-esteem.”
Oscar Donnelly, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability Services at the Northern Trust, said: “I would like to thank the minister for his support for our family-based respite care services. There is no question that these services provide a lifeline to many families caring for disabled children and adults.
“I want to thank our carers whose commitment is resolute. We need more people to do this invaluable work and I would appeal to the public to consider becoming involved in providing this worthwhile service.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Share the Care scheme has been running in Causeway area since 1995 when the first home was established. There are at present 27 small homes and 137 adults benefiting from the scheme. Respite breaks can range from overnight to weekends and longer.
- Media enquiries to 028 9052 0579 or 07717 732079. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
