Brooks supports New Short Breaks service for disabled children

Brooks Newmark attended a reception at Parliament on Tuesday 9th June to support the launch of a new Short Breaks service for disabled children.Brooks Newmark attended a reception at Parliament on Tuesday 9th June to support the launch of a new Short Breaks service for disabled children.

Disabled children's charity KIDS have set up a new online service which will help thousands of families easily access short break care. Brooks met with disabled children and their families along with local authorities to discuss the new service.

Brooks said: "Access to short breaks is crucial for carers, parents and disabled children. I know short break care is a priority for families, but the organising can often take some time. KIDS Direct Short Breaks allows parents to book a suitable break over the internet at a convenient time and allows them to choose what they want to do."

The unique KIDS Direct Short Breaks service puts booking a break directly in the hands of the family rather than the local authority. The secure and easy to use website links parents to fully trained professionals who deliver positive activities for disabled children and young people.

Emma Clarke, Director of KIDS Direct Short Breaks, said: "Since April 2009, £370 million of funding has been available for local authorities to transform their short break services, as part of the Aiming High for Disabled Children review – now all local authorities need to do, is spend it."

Leader of the Conservatives, David Cameron, said: "KIDS Direct Short Breaks is a great idea. For many years KIDS has been making a real difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people, together with their families, through the practical support it provides. This new pioneering service will take KIDS work another step forward, and I am delighted to wish it well."

Photo: Brooks with Shane Lewis and Director of KIDS Direct Short Breaks, Emma Clarke.