An English break

An English break

We like tea, but this article will not be about five o'clock (which is the famous British afternoon tea break).

Instead, it will be about a great social program called short break, implemented in the United Kingdom (that is, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Northern Ireland).

The British have decided that £30 million is just the right amount just right to fund short breaks from each other for the families of young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Literally away from each other, because it involves the children being able to spend some time in a different environment, and their parents a moment's rest from their caring responsibilities.

The Short Breaks program has been planned on a pilot basis for 3 years. Already in the first year (2022) it brought positive results for children and their families, involving seven projects in seven different UK local governments. It is now ongoing all the time, creating new projects and testing new approaches to improve accessibility and operation of the program.

The innovative short break service is provided by local authorities in the UK from a special fund, meaning it is free or partially reimbursed for caregivers of children with disabilities and special educational needs. At the same time, local authorities are obliged to make available detailed information on which rules and which short breaks are available in the area.

Space for breathing

Short breaks follow a single provision, but are tailored to the individual needs of families.

• In-home care - includes child care programs in which a specialist takes care of the child on site, while the parent can perform another activity during this time. This form is also useful in preparing the family for the child's overnight stay in a new, unfamiliar place at a later stage.
• Out-of-home day care - includes nurseries, playgroups, after-school and weekend clubs, and during school vacations, access to inclusive play programs, for example, cycling, martial arts, music, art and theatre classes.
• Overnight care - includes overnight care in the child's own home if the family and child need it, including nursing care or home hospice for children with palliative care needs.
• Residential breaks - includes residential homes, special units in hospitals and hospices.
• Family reunification programs, where a child stays regularly or occasionally with another family.

Short breaks can be of a very different nature, including fun, sports, art and independent activities, from film workshops to develop teamwork skills, to outdoor adventure and team building.

In Sunderland, for example, there is a project called Breathing Space, which provides support for children aged 10 to 16 with special social and emotional health needs and autism. It's an innovative class that helps improve their emotion regulation skills. What's the feedback like? Apparently excellent, because according to statistics, the Breathing Space project has led to improved attendance, improved behaviour and a reduction in children's suspensions from school.

Time to develop through play for children

Every child deserves the same opportunity to realize their potential. Young people with special educational needs and disabilities should be given special conditions for this purpose, providing opportunities to develop skills, make friends and gain independence.

All children also need the chance to play just as much - and never more so than during their developmental years. Many children and adolescents with disabilities say that leisure and play after school, during vacations and on weekends is the most important missing element in their lives.

"For me, a break is the difference between sinking and surviving.
It makes me, I sing out loud, I'm so happy!
First I look forward to it, then I enjoy it when it happens, and finally I relish the memories!"

Breaks from parents and family to explore the world are simply priceless for children - for all children. A fun and exciting way to learn many social and life skills, the opportunity to take part in memorable group activities are unique chances to make friends and gain new experiences that will help them become more independent in the future.

Time for yourself for parents

Short breaks are also a chance for parents. To relax. To get away from caring responsibilities for a while. To recharge their batteries, spend time with other people or self-realize and indulge in their hobbies. What's mega important and necessary, the program empathizes with parents of children with disabilities, gently persuading them that they have a sacred right to pursue their needs, and that putting their child's care (in good hands, of course) does not make them bad parents.

"Time for yourself will give you strength, patience
and determination for the next period."

"Remember: taking a break from childcare
is not an admission of failure
or saying you don't care."

Getting used to spending time in different places and with different people is also helpful in case a child needs to be left with someone in the future. Children grow, and changing environments, trying out different experiences, making new social contacts and establishing different relationships contribute positively to their personal and social development. The short break program also provides mutual support and training for parents and caregivers while their children participate in activities.

Whoever is a parent knows that this role is one of the most difficult, though undoubtedly at the same time the most rewarding, tasks in life. For parents of children with disabilities, this challenge is even more complex, which does not derail their chances for a happy life. Social and emotional support for parents of children with special needs is indisputably a prerequisite for a healthy society.

The short break program and similar initiatives are invaluable. Just one quote from a puzzled dad of a teenager participating in short breaks will suffice:

"I don't always know what Jacob did in the club.
He says: it's my space and my business.
And I can only agree with that."

Nothing to add or take away - the most normal reaction from a parent of the most normal teenager in the world, right? This is the direction: the inclusion of in normality, we wish for every family, especially in our beautiful country on the Vistula.