A Parent’s Perspectiveon Short Breaks

Short Breaks Network 12th November 2014

Agenda

•What we have in common?•My personal story•What’s really important to parents•Challenges for the future• The value of Short Breaks Network

into the Future

What do we have in common?• All have a passion for supporting families

and young people with additional needs•We all want to continually develop our

services/provision whilst balancing the need for value for money/cost savings!• Ensuring that quality provision is provided• Children and young people are properly

supported

SOME OF OUR FAMILIES IN ENFIELD!

My Personal Journey

What Parents Want…

Choice

Flexibility

Family Centric

Quality

Future Challenges….

• How do we provide Personal Budgets and still provide a core service to those who don’t want this?

• How do we stimulate a wider market place, whilst potentially facing shrinking budgets?

Potential Solution?

Choice

Flexibility

Family Centric

Quality

Build these factors into your block Contracts…

Co-Production

Work in true partnership with your Parent Forums, individual families and young people to look at:•What works?•What doesn’t?•What should we continue to spend our

money on?•What should we stop/reduce spending our

money on?

The Value of the Short Breaks NetworkThe SBN has provided: • Advice and guidance on a variety of issues allowing for

consistency and quality • Training/work shops• Information through newsletters, magazines, and their

website

All of which has benefited Service Commissioners and Providers to better support Families….

Given the continued challenges we face, we must all ensure this legacy continues into the future & is woven into the SEND agenda….